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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.