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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.