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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)

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 feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.