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It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: 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 therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.