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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.