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This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.