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It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely 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. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

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