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It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.