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It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.