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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.

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