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This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.