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It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.