Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox star opposite Gus in ‘Merv.’ (Photo: Wilson Webb/Prime)
Zooey Deschanel’s character deals with depression and dysfuction — in her dog — in a new trailer for the upcoming Christmas holiday film “Merv.”
Deschanel stars opposite, Charlie Cox, and scruffy Terrier mix “Gus” in an Amazon-MGM rom-com that explores the the meaning of love and companionship.
Anna (Deschanel) and Russ (Cox) are thrown into a quandry when their breakup sends their pooch into a tailspin.
Mixed terrier ‘Gus’ stars as ‘Merv’ in the Amazon/MGM rom-com. (Photo Prime)
The dog becomes listless and depressed causing an awkward co-parenting arrangement in an effort to re-ignite his old spark.
“Hoping to shake Merv out of his funk, Russ takes him to Florida for a much-needed getaway—only for Anna to show up unexpectedly,” according to the film’s synopsis.
“As Merv slowly gets his groove back, turns out fixing their dog’s broken heart may lead to a few sparks of their own.”
Yes, pets will do that to you.
The film is directed by Jessica Swale and co-written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and produced by Matthew Baer and Roma Downey.
Deschanel, who is now 45, still knows how to turn on the elfin charm and deadpan comedy that made her famous starting in such films as 1999’s “Mumford” and the 2000 classic “Almost Famous.”
Pet films, especially featuring dogs, are a holiday staple. Over 50 have been filmed just since 2014. It’s hard to say where “Merv” will rank in the pantheon of poochery, but check out the trailer.
Released today (Nov. 11), the clip sets up the premise of the film, and shows off some of Gus’s strong character acting.
The film will premiere on Prime Video on Wednesday, Dec. 10.