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It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.

Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.