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It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.