Merv Review – A Four-Legged Actor Commands the Show in the Streaming Giant’s Formulaic Christmas Romcom

It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.