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This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.