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It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.