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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.