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It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.