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It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.