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It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. 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, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.