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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.