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It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives 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 cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.