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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.