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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness 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 should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video this December.