Merv: Your New Holiday Rom-Com Obsession Featuring a Depressed Dog

Get ready for a heartwarming and hilarious holiday film as Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox team up to cure their beloved dog's blues on Prime Video.

TL;DR

• Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox star as exes reunited by their very depressed dog, Merv.
• This holiday rom-com promises laughs, rekindled sparks, and canine charm, streaming globally on Prime Video starting December 10, 2025.
• The film was shot in the scenic greater Wilmington area of North Carolina, bringing a sun-drenched backdrop to its heartfelt story.

Imagine your best friend, your furry companion, falling into a deep funk because you broke up with your significant other. That's the wonderfully absurd premise at the heart of Merv, the new holiday romantic comedy heading to Prime Video this December. It turns out even our four-legged pals can get the post-breakup blues, and for Anna (Zooey Deschanel) and Russ (Charlie Cox), their lovable pooch Merv's sadness forces them back together for what promises to be an unexpectedly heartwarming and hilarious journey.

What Happens When Your Breakup Severely Breaks Your Dog's Heart?

Anna and Russ, once a couple, now share custody of Merv. The film kicks off with Anna gently breaking the news to Merv: "The thing is me and Russ broke up." Merv, played by the adorable Gus, responds with a tiny, dejected growl, setting the stage for his canine melancholy. Soon, both Anna and Russ notice Merv isn't himself—no fetch, no cuddles, just a general "lust for life" gone missing.

Russ's coworker even describes him as "a miserable drip lately," highlighting that the breakup isn't just hard on Merv, but on his humans too. A visit to the vet confirms their suspicions: "Dogs are very sensitive to anything that throws their routine," the veterinarian explains, concluding, "Like a breakup." Russ incredulously asks, "You think Merv is depressed because we broke up?" Yes, Russ, it seems Merv is indeed experiencing some serious emotional turmoil.

A Florida Trip to Mend a Furry Soul and Maybe More

To shake Merv out of his funk, Russ hatches a plan: a "boys trip" to a sunny Florida dog beach, hoping the change of scenery will do wonders. Anna, however, has her doubts. "He hates beaches," she protests, to which Russ quickly retorts, "No, you hate beaches." This playful banter hints at the unresolved tension and lingering feelings between them.

Despite Russ's solo intentions, Anna soon crashes the vacation, dressed incognito like a "weird lady spy" in sunglasses and a floppy hat. Her reasoning? "We both know he’s happiest when we’re all hanging out together." And so, the reluctant exes find themselves in an awkward co-parenting arrangement, all for Merv's happiness.

Filming the Coastal Charm in the Sunshine State... of North Carolina

While the story sends Merv and his humans to Florida, the movie actually brought its holiday cheer to the beaches of North Carolina. Merv filmed extensively in the greater Wilmington area in 2024, utilizing picturesque spots like Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. Specific locations included the fishing pier, the Starlite Inn, and the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Source: [Port City Daily, "Trailer drops for holiday movie filmed in greater Wilmington area," November 11, 2025].

During production, Zooey Deschanel herself reportedly enjoyed the local scene, from karaoke at Bottega on Fourth Street to dinner at downtown's Dram Yard. Source: [Port City Daily, "Trailer drops for holiday movie filmed in greater Wilmington area," November 11, 2025]. This real-world connection to the filming locations adds an extra layer of charm to the movie's setting, offering a unique blend of cinematic magic and local flavor for viewers to spot.

The Creative Team Behind This Heartwarming Canine Comedy

Merv is directed by Jessica Swale, known for her work on Summerland. The script comes from the husband-and-wife writing team of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart. Matthew Baer and Roma Downey are among the producers, ensuring a blend of heartfelt storytelling and holiday warmth. Source: [The Hollywood Reporter, "Charlie Cox and Zooey Deschanel Have a Bone to Pick in Rom-Com 'Merv' Trailer," November 11, 2025].

The film marks a delightful return to the holiday genre for Zooey Deschanel, who many remember fondly from her breakout role opposite Will Ferrell in the 2003 Christmas classic Elf. Charlie Cox, perhaps best known for his intense role as Daredevil in the MCU, welcomed the change of pace for this project.

“Tonally, this movie is unlike anything I’ve done before, so I relied on Zooey and Jess to guide me,” Cox shared with People. He added, “I really tried to learn as much as I could from her and be as present as possible in the scenes.”

Example of the Hilarious Merv-Induced Mayhem and Canine Capers

Throughout their beach escapade, Anna and Russ go to hilarious lengths to cheer up Merv. The trailer shows them engaging in joint yoga sessions with the dog, tackling obstacle courses, and even taking Merv to a psychic medium. During this medium session, the psychic declares Merv wants to communicate and, in a Cockney accent, impersonates the dog saying: "Ello everybody." Anna quickly quips, "Oh, Merv was a Victorian street urchin," showcasing the film's lighthearted humor. This demonstrates the lengths they go to, showing that Merv isn't just a prop, but a central, almost sentient character driving the plot and providing plenty of comedic opportunities.

Is This Prime Video's New "Hallmark Era" or Something More Profound?

Some critics have playfully noted that Merv and similar offerings signal Prime Video's entry into a "Hallmark era," suggesting a leaning into "mid-budget holiday rom-coms about emotionally fragile pets." One review describes these films as "softly sentimental, a little too glossy, PG for the whole family, and corny in a way that feels intentional." They are, in a memorable phrase, "narrative warm beverages, like a lukewarm peppermint mocha, mild, sweet, easily digestible, dissolving instantly upon contact with real emotion." Source: [Paste Magazine, "The Dog Is Sad & So Are We: Trailer For Amazon Prime Video's Merv," November 11, 2025].

However, this doesn't necessarily diminish the film's potential appeal. In a world often filled with intense dramas, there's a definite craving for comfort and feel-good stories, especially during the holidays. While Merv might not challenge you or linger in your psyche for days, it aims to be genuinely soft and heartwarming. It explores the idea that two people who can't quite let go of each other might find their way back, reminded of a gentler, less guarded version of themselves by their beloved pet. The best holiday films, like Elf, resonate because they're earnest and honest about universal feelings, and Merv attempts to tap into that with its unique, dog-centric premise.

Are Old Feelings Sparking Between Anna and Russ?

As Anna and Russ navigate their shared mission to cure Merv's sadness, the trailer strongly hints at old flames rekindling. They playfully argue, share tender moments, and even recreate a "Dirty Dancing" style leap (though Anna amusingly ends up in a pool). Both characters attempt to date other people on their trip, only for their dates to wisely flag the situation as peculiar—"We’re just two people who share a dog," Anna tells a man, who sees it as a "red flag."

Ultimately, Anna confesses to a gal pal that she might still have feelings for Russ, with her friend enthusiastically responding, "Anna, you’re perfect together." It looks like Merv might just be the best matchmaker these two could ask for, proving that sometimes, the path to reconciliation begins with man's (and woman's) best friend.

Frequently Asked Questions About Merv

When does "Merv" premiere on Prime Video? "Merv" will begin streaming globally on Prime Video on December 10, 2025.

What is "Merv" rated and what is its runtime? The film is rated PG and has a runtime of 105 minutes.

Who are the main stars of "Merv"? Zooey Deschanel stars as Anna, and Charlie Cox plays Russ, alongside Gus as the titular dog, Merv. The cast also includes Chris Redd and Patricia Heaton.

Where was "Merv" filmed? "Merv" was filmed in the greater Wilmington area of North Carolina in 2024, including locations like Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, despite the story being set in Florida.

Practical Takeaways for Your Holiday Movie Watchlist

• Mark your calendars for December 10, 2025, to stream Merv on Prime Video for a heartwarming holiday rom-com fix.
• Prepare for a charming, lighthearted story that highlights the incredibly strong, sometimes dramatic, bond between humans and their pets.
• Watch out for the delightful on-screen chemistry between Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox, offering a fresh take on the "exes reunited" trope.
• Keep an eye out for picturesque North Carolina backdrops if you're curious about the beautiful filming locations.
• Perhaps most importantly, check in on your own furry friends—their emotional well-being might just depend on your love life!

Sources:

• The Hollywood Reporter, "Charlie Cox and Zooey Deschanel Have a Bone to Pick in Rom-Com 'Merv' Trailer," by Ryan Gajewski, November 11, 2025.
• Deadline, "'Merv' Trailer: Broken-Up Zooey Deschanel And Charlie Cox Drop Everything For Their Shared Dog’s Depression Diagnosis In Prime Video Holiday Rom-Com," by Dessi Gomez, November 11, 2025.
• Port City Daily, "Trailer drops for holiday movie filmed in greater Wilmington area," by Shea Carver, November 11, 2025.
• Paste Magazine, "The Dog Is Sad & So Are We: Trailer For Amazon Prime Video's Merv," by Audrey Weisburd, November 11, 2025.
• Us Weekly, "'Merv': All About Zooey Deschanel & Charlie Cox’s Holiday Rom-Com," by Meaghan Darwish, November 11, 2025.
• Keith Loves Movies, "'MERV' Starring Zooey Deschanel & Charlie Cox Streaming Globally on Prime Video December 10th," by Keith Noakes, November 11, 2025.
• Screen Rant, "Charlie Cox & Zooey Deschanel Are Exes Still Attached For 1 Adorable Reason In Prime Comedy Images," by Sarah Hurtado Rodriguez, November 10, 2025.