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This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.