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It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.