By Eva Tweeten
Breakups are hard on everyone, especially for Anna (Zooey Deschanel) and Russ (Charlie Cox). Anna is mourning the loss of a decade-long relationship. Russ is grappling with the unknown of why it ended. Worst of all, their beloved dog, Merv, is down in the dumps. Nothing anyone does seems to bring a smile to his face.
But no matter how irreconcilable their differences, Russ and Anna will do anything for Merv. Merv is their life, their light, their pride and joy. After six months of trying to make it work through shared custody, they finally come to the conclusion that something is seriously wrong with their boy.
After a thorough examination, the doctor gravely tells the concerned parents what they least want to hear: Merv is depressed. Their split has caused him to lose his joy and his spark. If they can’t get it back, the doctor will have no choice but to medicate him. And so, in a last ditch effort, Anna and Russ decide to put aside their differences for one week and set out on a trip to hopefully lift Merv’s spirits.
Despite this movie starring Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox “Merv” is best described as “just fine.” From the corny dog-themed music to the lackluster dialogue that should have been left on the cutting room floor, most everything about “Merv” is full of sweet intentions that simply fall flat.
Merv is a loveable mutt whose antics always put a smile on the face of his people and the audience alike. He is charming, sweet and unfailingly loyal. It is easy to see why Anna and Russ love this homely little dog so much.
On the other hand, despite spending the last ten years together, the couple lacks chemistry, and it is unclear what they share in common besides their dog. Other love interests are dangled tantalizingly in front of the audience, but it never seems to work out.
Side characters repeatedly tell the protagonists that they were better together or are nothing without the other, but it is impossible to tell what drew the couple together in the first place.
Their bond is artificial, making it hard to root for them to get back together (as they inevitably will). Their relationship, just like much of the movie, relies far too heavily on telling, rather than showing. However, Deschanel and Cox’s excellently capture the heartbreak that comes from watching a former lover fall for someone else.
“Merv” also lacks understanding of its titular character, a disappointing aspect for a movie marketed towards dog-lovers. A whole slew of odd creative decisions are made for the sake of movie magic. Dogs are rarely kept on leash in public, the portrayal of a veterinarian’s office is truly ridiculous, and the idea of depression and medication is made equivalent to a death-sentence. Russ, a supposed dog lover, is visibly disgusted by the idea of a dog that barks. These scenes leave behind a sour aftertaste, despite the sweetness of the core canine character.
Ultimately, all the charm that this movie could have held is overpowered by the jarringly awkward and inconsistent writing. The acting is subpar, and the poor direction only intensifies the unattractive awkwardness of it all. While sweet in concept, this holiday-adjacent film is not one that encourages viewers to think differently or ponder deeply. It simply asks that you watch two pretty people (and one endearing dog) pretend they are no longer attracted to one another.
“Merv” is available on Amazon Prime.
Eva Tweeten is a Junior Psychology major who loves analyzing books, movies and music. She is also a big animal lover who helps train service dogs in her free time!
Images courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios
No Replies to "Lackluster and gauche, ‘Merv’ will not be joining the ranks of Christmas classics."