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This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.