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It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.