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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.