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Merv, Starring Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox, Debuts on Prime Video

Early reviews praise the dog performance, with reservations about the romance.

Overview

  • The PG-rated romantic comedy began streaming exclusively on Prime Video on December 10 with a 105-minute runtime.
  • The story follows recently separated co-parents whose dog’s malaise leads to a dog-friendly Florida getaway set against a Christmastime backdrop.
  • Director Jessica Swale frames Christmas as an emotional setting to amplify themes of loss, healing, reconciliation, and second chances.
  • Gus, a rescue terrier mix, is the primary canine performer, with additional dogs used for select shots under strict trainer guidance.
  • Critics highlight the film’s sweetness for dog lovers and Gus’s appeal, while noting formulaic writing and limited romantic chemistry between the leads.