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This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.