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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.