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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.