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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.