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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.