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It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.