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It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

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