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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.