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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.