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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.