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This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. 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 adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.