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This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.