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This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.

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