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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.