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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.