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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.