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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.