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It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

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