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It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.