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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.