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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.