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This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)

Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.