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This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.