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This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video this December.