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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.