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This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.