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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.