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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.