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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.