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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted 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 flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.