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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.