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This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

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