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It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.