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This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.