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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.