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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 situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.