I suppose it was only a matter of time. There are so many holiday-themed romantic comedies, and so many romantic comedies with dogs, that Hollywood was bound to combine the two eventually. Prime Video’s new film does just that. Merv doesn’t break any new ground, but the appeal of the lead actors and the adorable dog are enough to keep the viewer engaged until the inevitable happy ending.
Merv is the name of the pup who belongs to Anna (Zooey Deschanel) and Russ (Charlie Cox). The couple recently broke up, and they shuttle Merv back and forth on alternating weeks as they try to co-parent him. Now, the holiday season is approaching. And Merv is becoming more and more sad. His behavior prompts Anna and Russ to take him to the vet, and the doctor tells them Merv is depressed. Russ decides to take the dog on a trip to cheer him up. When Anna tags along, romance isn’t far behind. The exes confront their unspoken issues, and they also have to decide what their future looks like. And Merv’s too.
Though it doesn’t push any envelopes or change any formulas, Merv is an endearing rom-com with moments of genuine emotion and fun. The audience could ask for more substance in the story. But sometimes all you need is an easy watch to fill the time. This movie fits the bill.
MORE: If you need a refresher before watching, read Everything We Know About Merv!
“I felt so useless and guilty.”
The state of Russ’s apartment when the film starts is a clear indication of his lonely single status. It’s a bit of a lazy visual representation, but the cuteness of the dog helps. Even when they are bickering, Russ and Anna clearly care about Merv. The banter itself is a trademark of romantic comedies. While it’s been done better in other films, Deschanel and Cox deliver it in a way that helps fill in their characters. I wish Russ were more distinct. He’s the kind of “generically nice” guy who won’t offend any viewer. Deschanel does her usual adorkable schtick for the most part.
And when they share the screen? Well, it works quite effectively. There isn’t a lot of history developed for them to work with, but they make you root for them anyway. For most of the film, the audience invests in them based on their jealousy over other characters or their interactions with Russ’s parents. Who are played by Patricia Heaton and David Hunt from Everybody Loves Raymond, by the way. It’s only near the end of the film that the script really starts to dig into Russ and Anna’s emotional connection. When they finally discuss their breakup, it’s one of the strongest scenes of the film.
Speaking of their breakup, this backstory really resonated with me. Anna found out that she couldn’t have kids, and Russ didn’t know how to help when she stopped communicating. It is wonderful to see women who can’t have children represented in a rom-com. This doesn’t happen often. I was born with a genetic disorder that makes me sterile, just like Anna, so I deeply appreciate this story. More romances should feature this plot point! Give me all the childless couple representation!
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“I’m the idiot who thought it would last forever.”
Of course, this background gives the audience a new viewpoint on Merv. His importance to Anna and Russ takes on new meaning. Now the dog is not just cute, he’s more of a character in his own right. And Gus, the dog who plays Merv, does a good job! The heavy conversation about Russ and Anna’s breakup leads to another emotional moment when Russ decides that it would be best for Merv if Anna takes him for good. Even though we know the happily ever after is coming, this hits you right in the feels.
As for the love story, the premise is a well-worn trope. The “second chance” romance is familiar to all readers of the romance genre. In the classic Hollywood era, it was also known as the comedy of remarriage. Two characters, usually spouses, separate but get back together in the end. Fans of films like The Philadelphia Story and The Awful Truth will recognize it. This film is not as substantial as those, but romantics will feel the sense of tradition behind it. In a totally different way, they’ll also love the dance sequence where Cox shows off his moves!
In terms of creativity, the visuals of this film are similar to the script: decent but rarely more than that. I do like the long crane shot that opens the film. Director Jessica Swale wisely decides to craft the same kind of shot to end the film, which makes a nice bookend. Christmas doesn’t really show up in the film until the end. Russ’s trip with Merv is to a dog beach, so no holiday visuals there. I would have liked more. That applies to many aspects of the film, but overall, Merv is worth watching at least once.
MORE: Need more Charlie Cox? Then you’re in luck because Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 is already in production!
3 stars out of 5
Merv is streaming on Prime Video.
