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This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.