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It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.