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This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.