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It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.