Film Analysis of Merv – A Four-Legged Actor Commands the Show in Amazon’s Formulaic Holiday Romance

This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.