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This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.