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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.