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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.