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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer 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 film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video this December.