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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.