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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.