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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of 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 remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, 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, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.