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This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on 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. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.