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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede 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 also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.