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This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.