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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.