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This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.