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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.