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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.