Like all the best streaming services at this time of year, Prime Video has also been serving up some new originals to cozy up in front of, but the selling point for its newest arrival is that it centers on an adorable pup who's in a bit of a funk.
Introducing "Merv," a new romantic comedy starring Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox as a pair of dog-lovers who've gone their separate ways, leaving their prized pooch reeling from the split. And so far, this feel-good watch looks to be a hit with Prime members.
What is 'Merv' about?
Jessica Swale's "Merv" is a romantic comedy that centers on a loveable pup. Merv, the depressed dog in question, loses his spark after his parents Anna (Zooey Deschanel) and Russ (Charlie Cox), split up, forcing the pair into an awkward co-parenting arrangement.
In an effort to lift Merv's spirits, Russ takes him on a boys' trip to a dog beach in Florida — and then Anna crashes their getaway unexpectedly. As Merv starts to get his mojo back, there's a chance that, maybe, Anna and Russ' spark might come back, too.
In addition to Deschanel and Cox (and Merv, obviously), "Merv" also features Chris Redd, Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, Ellyn Jameson, Wynn Everett, Jasmine Matthews and Joey Slotnick.
Should you stream 'Merv' on Prime Video?
Critics haven't been kind to "Merv," though; at the time of writing, the movie's earned a measly 38% rating on the review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes.
Reviewing for RogerEbert.com, Sheil O'Malley said, "'Merv' is heartwarming, in the abstract, but the heat generated is strictly lukewarm," offering a 1.5/4 verdict on the film.
Similarly, Screen Rant's Grant Hermanns wrote the movie "plays things so safe that it almost feels like an insult to viewers' intelligence."
The Guardian's Adrian Horton was, at least, a little more positive. In her 3-star review, Horton wrote: "Merv" is slight and sweet and entirely to expectations. Making a movie about co-parenting a dog is not a bad idea - though I wouldn't say it's a great one, either."
Having streamed the movie myself, I think the general reception's been a tad harsh on these two dog-lovers and their four-legged friend. This is a schmaltzy watch fit for the Hallmark movie season, simple and unsubtly scripted. It might not have blown me away, but Merv and his co-owners brought enough charm to proceedings to make it watchable.
Anna and Russ are probably not going to become anyone's favorite on-screen couple off the back of "Merv," but measured up against this year's crop of seasonal releases, I'd rather stream this than some of 2025's other new offerings. Mopey Merv himself is worth seeing in action, frankly.
Bottom line? I'd be willing to recommend anyone on the hunt for a cosy, easy watch to try streaming "Merv" on Prime Video.
Not sold on streaming "Merv," but still looking for streaming suggestions? We can still help. Check out our round-up of the best movies on Prime Video for more help finding your next watch.
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