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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.