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It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.