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This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.