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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.