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This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.