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It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

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