This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
