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This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.

Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.