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This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

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