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This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.