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This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.