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| Merv (2025) Ending Explained: Do Anna and Russ Finally Get Back Together? (Photo: PrimeVideo) |
The 2025 dramedy Merv hit streaming platforms with a surprisingly emotional punch, serving cosy Christmas vibes, messy exes, and a dog caught right in the middle of their heartbreak. What started as a light-hearted pet-parent comedy quietly turned into one of the year’s most grounded stories about love, loss, and second chances.
Here’s your full recap, what that ending really means, and where a potential Merv Part 2 (2027) could go next.
Merv the Dog, Two Heartbroken Humans, and One Messy Break-Up
Anna, a meticulous ophthalmologist, and Russ, a chilled-out elementary teacher, call time on their relationship — but there’s one thing they can’t split cleanly: their adopted dog, Merv.
With a weekly handover routine forcing them to stay in each other’s lives, neither truly moves on. Worse, Merv begins showing signs of loneliness and emotional decline, prompting a vet visit that confirms their worst fear: their break-up is affecting the dog far more deeply than they realised.
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Merv sinks into a kind of canine depression, struggling with the emotional whiplash of two homes and two heartbroken humans. Anna fusses over his diet, Russ tries to distract him with adventures, but nothing lands — until Russ takes him on a beach dogcation over Christmas.
Anna disapproves but has no real say during Russ’ week. Yet when she unexpectedly arrives at the beach, Merv perks up for the first time in ages. Even Russ, initially annoyed by the intrusion, accepts that Merv needs both of them around.
Cue awkward ex tension… and a handful of strangers hitting on them, triggering a territorial energy neither wants to admit exists.
Russ invites Anna to join him and Merv for a visit to his parents. Anna hesitates, largely because Russ’ mum, MJ, never fully recovered from the split.
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Surprisingly, MJ softens, admitting the break-up hurt her too — and the two women make amends. Throughout the trip, Anna and Russ start slipping back into their old companionship. Russ even confesses that his proposal was never impulsive; he truly meant forever.
This shakes Anna, who confides in her friend Rebekah that her infertility made her push everyone away — Russ included. The proposal, coming after the diagnosis, felt too much, too fast, and she panicked.
On the drive home, Anna takes Russ’ hand — a soft, silent admission that her feelings never went anywhere. Later, she gathers the courage to ask for another chance. But Russ refuses to risk a repeat of the emotional shutdown that broke them the first time.
Their co-parenting arrangement becomes too painful, and Russ ends it for good, saying a raw goodbye to Merv and asking Anna to keep the dog full-time.
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Merv Ending Explained: A Puppy, A Chance Encounter, and a Christmas Proposal
Despite cutting ties, Russ can’t shake the feeling of unfinished business. He adopts a new dog, Anabella, from the same centre where Merv came from — a symbolic fresh start.
Anna reconciles with her friends and stops shielding herself from their children. She slowly rebuilds her confidence, with Merv firmly by her side.
On a walk one afternoon, fate steps in: Anna and Russ bump into each other, each walking their pup. Russ admits he still loves her, misses her, and hasn’t been able to fully move on. They kiss, sealing their decision to give their relationship another chance — properly this time, at their own pace.
The film closes on a heartwarming holiday scene: matching Christmas sweaters, two happy dogs, and Anna proposing to Russ. A full-circle moment neither expected.
Merv sneaks up on you. What seems like a simple dog-centred rom-com turns surprisingly introspective. Anna’s struggles with vulnerability and Russ’ steady, patient affection form the emotional backbone of the story.
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The film deserves praise for gently addressing how pets absorb the atmosphere of their household. Merv’s reactions — perking up at their shared song, shrinking during conflicts — add real depth without the melodrama.
The final scenes, where Merv and Anabella simply sit beside Anna and Russ while they embrace, highlight how pets quietly witness and anchor their humans through emotional storms.
Overall, a grounded, moving story that balances humour, heartbreak, and healing with ease.
Will There Be a Merv 2? What a Sequel Could Look Like
Though there’s no official confirmation yet, the ending leaves ample space for a warm, family-centred sequel. If Merv Part 2 lands in 2027, here’s the most likely direction:
1. Anna and Russ Navigating Their Renewed Relationship
Now that they’ve reconciled, the sequel could explore:
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The challenges of rebuilding trust
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Planning a wedding after a prolonged separation
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Learning to communicate without falling into old patterns
Their dynamic is ripe for gentle comedic mishaps and heartfelt character growth.
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2. A Blended Pet Family Story
Two dogs under one roof? Absolutely prime material for:
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Sibling rivalry between Merv and Anabella
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Training chaos
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Pet-parenting disagreements (Anna’s structure vs Russ’ spontaneity)
3. Anna’s Personal Development
Anna’s arc isn’t fully closed. Part 2 could explore:
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Her confidence in forming healthy attachments
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Her healing journey regarding infertility
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The idea of alternative family structures
4. Russ’ Family and Community
MJ warming up to Anna is a subplot begging for expansion, particularly during wedding planning.
Russ’ school storyline could also become a source of heartfelt humour.
5. A New External Conflict
Every sequel needs a new curveball. Possible routes:
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Relocating for one of their careers
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A major decision about pet care
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A temporary long-distance relationship
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An unexpected responsibility that forces them to reassess priorities
6. A Christmas Wedding Finale
Given the first film’s holiday ending, a sequel would almost certainly return to festive warmth — perhaps culminating in Anna and Russ’ long-awaited wedding, complete with Merv and Anabella as ring bearers.
Potential Release Window: Christmas 2027
If greenlit within 2025–2026, the most realistic release date would be late 2027, positioned once again as a cosy seasonal film.