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It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.