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It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.