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This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.