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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.