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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.