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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on 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. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.