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It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.