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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.