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This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

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