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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses 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 therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.