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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.