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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

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