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This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.