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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.