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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.

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