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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 arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.