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This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.