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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action 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 does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.