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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.