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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.