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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.