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This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.