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This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.