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This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.