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This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.