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It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.