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It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.