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It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits 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, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.