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It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.