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This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.