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This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)

The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.