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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.