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It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.