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This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.