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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

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