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This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video this December.