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It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game 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, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.