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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.