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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.