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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing 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. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

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