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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.

Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

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