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This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

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 cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

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