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This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

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