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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.