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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.