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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

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