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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles 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 – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.