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It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, 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 emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.