Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Suggestive talk, kissing, drinking in dog-centered romcom.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Merv
What's the Story?
Anna (Zooey Deschanel) and Russ (Charlie Cox) have broken up but are splitting time with their dog, MERV. The pup's been listless lately, and the vet suggests it might be because he's depressed over their breakup. When Russ concocts a trip to a dog resort in Florida to cheer Merv up, Anna shows up unexpectedly to help raise the dog's spirits. Will the time away rekindle their feelings or just solidify the complications that separated them?
Is It Any Good?
This predictable holiday romance built around two still-in-love exes sharing custody of their dog is sweet but had potential to be more. Merv stars Deschanel and Cox are both imminently likeable actors, but their characters come across as somewhat flat here— like they're holding something back, especially Deschanel. Even a let-loose salsa-dancing scene feels overly scripted and less fun than it should be. The film gets by on the stars' likeability, cute dog scenarios, and appealing settings and concepts (like their jobs, for starters). But as a package, it's reminiscent of vanilla holiday romances of the past like, say, You've Got Mail.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether dogs, like Merv, really experience anxiety or depression like humans do. What do you think? Do you have any experience with this?
Would this film change if it weren't set during the holidays?
How do social media platforms play a role in the story? Did this feel realistic? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 12, 2025
- Cast : Zooey Deschanel , Charlie Cox , Chris Redd
- Director : Jessica Swale
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Prime Video
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Animals , Family Stories , Friendship , Holidays
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some thematic elements, suggestive references and language
- Last updated : December 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate