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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.