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It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline 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, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.