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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water is debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring 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 Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

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