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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.

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