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This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.