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This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.