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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video this December.