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This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.