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It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, 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 shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.