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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.