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This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.