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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.