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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – 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 scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.