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This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.