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This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.