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It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.