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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.