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It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.