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This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.