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It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.