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This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, 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

Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.