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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.