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This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. 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 brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.