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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.