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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.