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It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.