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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.