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This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video this December.