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This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.