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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: 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 luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.