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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.