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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. 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, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.