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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness 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 should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)

The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.