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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.