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This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.