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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game 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 ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

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