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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.