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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.