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This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.