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It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.

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