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It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.