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This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

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