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It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.