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This 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 former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.