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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.