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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, 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 great one either.

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