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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.