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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.