Merv Review – A Canine Star Steals the Spotlight in Amazon’s Formulaic Christmas Romcom

It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.