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It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.