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It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

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