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It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.