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It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark 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 familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.