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It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.