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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog 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 Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.