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It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

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