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It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video this December.