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It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.