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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

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