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This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.