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It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.