"Merv" Review: A Cutie-Patootie Christmas Romcom with a Dog at the Center
Amazon's latest release, "Merv," may not reinvent the wheel, but it will surely warm your heart. This feel-good, by-the-book Christmas romcom tells the story of two exes, Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anne (Zooey Deschanel), who take a trip to a dog resort with their respective canine companions after their break-up. Enter Merv, the adorable wired-hair terrier played by Gus the Dog, whose presence steals every scene.
The plot is straightforward: forced to confront their post-split depressions, Russ and Anne stumble upon each other at the dog resort, where they'll presumably realize they're better off together. It's a premise that works, thanks to the undeniable chemistry between Cox and Deschanel, who bring a certain charm and quirkiness to their roles.
While the human side of the project falters, relying on an uneven balance of relationship study, winking zaniness, and basic romcom tropes, the real star of the show is Merv. The film delivers on dog-centric moments, showcasing the cuteness and emotional depth of canine companionship. Even if Gus's performance isn't Oscar-worthy, his convincingly sad puppy eyes will melt your heart.
Cox, however, is a standout in this one-man show – er, dog show. His self-deprecating humor and willingness to go for the silly make him an absolute delight to watch. Deschanel brings her signature millennial quirkiness to the role of Anna, which either wins you over or doesn't.
The real problem with "Merv" is that it doesn't take any significant risks. The plot follows familiar beats, and the pacing feels a tad uneven. However, with its lighthearted tone, lovable canine sidekick, and winning performances from Cox and Deschanel, this Christmas romcom will likely find its way onto your watchlist.
"Merv" is now available on Amazon Prime.
Amazon's latest release, "Merv," may not reinvent the wheel, but it will surely warm your heart. This feel-good, by-the-book Christmas romcom tells the story of two exes, Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anne (Zooey Deschanel), who take a trip to a dog resort with their respective canine companions after their break-up. Enter Merv, the adorable wired-hair terrier played by Gus the Dog, whose presence steals every scene.
The plot is straightforward: forced to confront their post-split depressions, Russ and Anne stumble upon each other at the dog resort, where they'll presumably realize they're better off together. It's a premise that works, thanks to the undeniable chemistry between Cox and Deschanel, who bring a certain charm and quirkiness to their roles.
While the human side of the project falters, relying on an uneven balance of relationship study, winking zaniness, and basic romcom tropes, the real star of the show is Merv. The film delivers on dog-centric moments, showcasing the cuteness and emotional depth of canine companionship. Even if Gus's performance isn't Oscar-worthy, his convincingly sad puppy eyes will melt your heart.
Cox, however, is a standout in this one-man show – er, dog show. His self-deprecating humor and willingness to go for the silly make him an absolute delight to watch. Deschanel brings her signature millennial quirkiness to the role of Anna, which either wins you over or doesn't.
The real problem with "Merv" is that it doesn't take any significant risks. The plot follows familiar beats, and the pacing feels a tad uneven. However, with its lighthearted tone, lovable canine sidekick, and winning performances from Cox and Deschanel, this Christmas romcom will likely find its way onto your watchlist.
"Merv" is now available on Amazon Prime.
charlie cox is hilarious as always, and zooey deschanel is just too quirky for words 
the dog, merv tho... that poor pup stole every scene 
Gus's expressions alone had me dying laughing 
but yeah, it's not gonna win any awards or anything, but honestly who cares? it's a feel-good fest that'll leave you smiling & warm inside 
. Charlie Cox is hilarious as the lovable but slightly awkward Russ, and Zooey Deschanel brings her signature quirkiness to Anne. The real star of the show though, is Gus - I mean who needs Oscar-worthy acting when you've got that adorable face? 
. It's like, our pets have a way of showing up just when we need them most, you know? Anyway, I think this movie teaches us that sometimes, taking a chance on love again (or, like, trying out dog sitting) can be super liberating 
But what I love most about "Merv" is how it reminds us that sometimes all we need is a furry friend by our side 
. "Merv" follows the same old formula: forced encounter, winking humor, and a dash of sappiness. Don't get me wrong, Gus the Dog is adorbs and steals every scene, but I'm all about substance over surface-level cuteness 
. Give me something with some real edge or depth any day 
. It's all cute and fluffy on the surface, but I think there's more to it than meets the eye. The way they cast Zooey Deschanel, she's always been kinda... off 
. And what's up with Charlie Cox being the only one who seems really invested in this movie? Is he getting paid more or somethin'? 
.
and zooey deschanel's character anna is so quirky and relatable too! it might not be a game-changer but merv is definitely the perfect feel-good christmas romcom to snuggle up with on a cold winter's night