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This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.