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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

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