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This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.