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It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.