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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.