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It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.