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This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.