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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.