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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.