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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.