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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video this December.