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This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth 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 cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.