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It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.