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This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies 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 comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.