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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.