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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to 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 endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.