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This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.