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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple 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 dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.