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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.