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It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.