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It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.