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It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.