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It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.