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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.