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This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog 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 might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.