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It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.