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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.