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It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog 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 is sustainable remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

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