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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.