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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.