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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.