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This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.