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It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.