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It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.