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It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.