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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.