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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.