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This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide 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 – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.

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