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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.