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It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.