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This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, 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 silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.