Merv (2025) Review!!

Synopsis – A recently separated couple take their shared dog on a holiday trip to cheer him up, but end up reconnecting romantically.

My Take – While last week saw Prime Video put an underappreciated mom at the center of a Christmas flick, their latest release sees the streaming giant appeal to animal lovers during the festive period by picking up a rare topic about how shared canine custody arrangements prevent exes from moving on, and how it can also lead to dogs getting depressed.

But since this is a holiday feature, you know exactly how everything will play out. To be fair, the film, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart, and directed by British playwright Jessica Swale, does not pretend to be bigger or better than it is.

Instead, it remains focused on being a simple, feel-good entertainer with a sunny beach setting, lots of canine cuteness, and a romance you have seen before. The dog’s personality is treated with real affection and without any over-the-top tricks, voice-overs or tragic endings.

Sure, it is cheesy at times, and when the focus drifts away from the dog, the narrative becomes formulaic, with the writing playing it safe, spelling out emotions instead of letting viewers connect naturally. Yet, it works as a serviceable attempt at being a tech company-cum-studio holiday release. Particularly as a harmless, cute, good-vibes film to stream with family or with your pet curled up next to you.

Set in snowy Boston several weeks before Christmas, the story follows Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), who after being together for 10 years, broke up six months and are struggling to cope. Mainly as they see each other every week to exchange their wired-hair terrier called Merv, in an awkward co-parenting relationship that isn’t working for anyone.

However, right before Christmas, Merv’s most favorite season of all time, the two are informed by the vet that though their dog is physically fine, he is quite depressed. Mainly, as because this whole act of oscillating between Russ and Anna, and then watching them bicker whenever they are together, has been taking a toll on him.

But Russ has an idea, he pretends to be sick and whisks the grumpy Merv to the Paws Season dog resort on the beach in sunny Florida to find their happiness. That is until, Anna feeling left out, decides to crash the party.

No doubt, the film has a sweet premise, an adorable dog, and two leads capable of anchoring a truly memorable holiday rom-com. While it has those predictable beats galore with new players joining the singles game like Jocelyn (Ellyn Jameson) and her cop brother (Jason Burkey), who set their eyes on the bizarre ex-couple vying for their downtrodden dog’s attention, thankfully, screenwriting partners Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart, delivers a surprising twist in the second half that re-frames the narrative at just the right time.

Anyone who’s been in a long-term relationship and questions why everything has fallen apart might see uncomfortable truths reflected on screen. Visually, the highlight of the film is a song-and-dance sequence featuring the lead, showcasing how Charlie Cox can absolutely tear up that floor.

Performance wise, ‘Daredevil’ star Charlie Cox is surprisingly charming in a light-hearted role we don’t usually see him in. He retains his English accent, brings sincerity to the character, and shares great on-screen warmth with the dog. While Zooey Deschanel plays a version of the quirky, slightly awkward personality she’s known for. It also helps that the two have tremendous chemistry.

And of course, Gus, the lovable mutt who plays Merv, is a natural scene stealer. In supporting role, Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, Wynn Everett and Ellyn Jameson are underused, yet add fun to the proceedings. On the whole, ‘Merv‘ is a decent holiday rom-com which despite its predictability brings the necessary charm.