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It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video this December.