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It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.