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This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

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