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This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles 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 – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.