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It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.