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This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.