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This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point 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 walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.