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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.