Merv: Charlie Cox’s Non-MCU Rom-Com Disappoints With 38% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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The new romantic comedy, Merv, starring Charlie Cox, hasn’t been well-received by critics, earning a low score on Rotten Tomatoes. This marks Cox’s first leading role in a film outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in seven years. Although he made a brief appearance as Matt Murdock in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), he’s primarily focused on television work since his last major movie role in King of Thieves (2018).

After being released on Prime Video, the movie Merv received a 38% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. However, this score is based on only 13 reviews so far, and could change as more reviews come in. Currently, there isn’t enough data to calculate an audience score, as fewer than 50 users have rated it.

Directed by Jessica Swale and written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart, Merv features Charlie Cox and Zooey Deschanel as a divorced couple. They realize their dog is deeply unhappy after their breakup, so they take him on a trip to sunny Florida, hoping to lift his spirits.

The series stars Charlie Cox and Zooey Deschanel (nominated for an Emmy for New Girl), along with Emmy winners Chris Redd (Saturday Night Live) and Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond). The cast also includes David Hunt, Ellyn Jameson, Wynn Everett, Jasmine Mathews, Joey Slotnick, and Jessica Swale.

According to Grant Hermanns at ScreenRant, the movie Merv starring Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox, feels like a predictable and overly sweet remake of The Parent Trap. While the film attempts a fresh take on the ‘broken-up couple reunites’ story, it’s hampered by a script that’s too obvious and lacks subtlety. Despite some appealing moments, the movie is so cautious and predictable that it feels condescending to the audience.

Most critics find Merv to be a fairly typical and predictable romantic comedy. They feel the movie relies too much on its central idea without creating characters you really care about. A common complaint is the lack of believable chemistry between Charlie Cox and Zooey Deschanel, with many describing the film as superficial, forced, and even boring. Some reviewers also point out that the dog, Merv, feels like a tool to move the plot forward rather than a fully developed character, leaving the film feeling emotionally flat.

Despite its flaws, a few critics enjoyed the film, highlighting its cozy holiday atmosphere, adorable dog, and thoughtful moments about love, raising children together, and family. They admit it doesn’t break new ground, but appreciate the warmth and gentle charm of the main character, Merv. For these viewers, a familiar story is acceptable when the movie offers simple comfort and a cheerful, festive feeling.

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2025-12-11 20:38