Film Analysis of Merv – A Canine Star Dominates the Show in the Streaming Giant’s Formulaic Christmas Romcom

It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing 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 film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.