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It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.