Merv Review – A Four-Legged Actor Commands the Show in Amazon’s By-the-Book Holiday Romance

It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.

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