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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm 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. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.