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This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.