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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.