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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.

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