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This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.