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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.