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This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.