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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.