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It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.