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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.