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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, 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 – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.