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This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.