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This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

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