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This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.