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It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.