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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 recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

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