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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.

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