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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.