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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.