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It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.