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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.