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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.