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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal 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, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.