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It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.