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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.