Film Analysis of Merv – A Canine Star Commands the Spotlight in Amazon’s By-the-Book Holiday Romance

It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.