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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.