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This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline 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 matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.