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It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series 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 people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.