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This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.