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It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.