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It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.