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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.