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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.