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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.