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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.