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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides 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 be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.