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This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.