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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.