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It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.