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This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.