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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.