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It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.