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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video this December.