Saagar Kote
Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Merv’ chronicles the life of Russ Owens (Charlie Cox) and Anna Finch (Zooey Deschanel), a couple who break up. This leads their pet dog, Merv, to face a mental health crisis. Once a happy dog, he now spends days in melancholy, shifting between the houses of Russ and Anna. When it is revealed by the doctor that Merv is sad due to the breakup, Russ feels guilty about driving his beloved canine friend to such a state. He plans to drive Merv to Florida to cheer him up. However, when Anna unexpectedly shows up in Florida to co-parent Merv like before, it leads to complex emotional dynamics between her and Russ.
As the former couple navigate difficult feelings, they must also ensure that their four-legged friend starts his life again. Directed by Jessica Swale, the romantic comedy film poignantly navigates themes of love, friendship, and loyalty. If you are looking for movies similar to ‘Merv’ that delve into the intricacies of romance and human-animal friendships, this list will be of interest to you.
8. Dog (2022)
‘Dog’ centers on Jackson Briggs (Channing Tatum), a former Army Ranger who is now a civilian following a brain injury sustained during his service. When his friend and comrade, Riley Rodriguez, passes away, Riley’s dog, Lulu, is left without an owner. Jackson’s superior officer promises to give him a recommendation later, if he safely transports the abandoned dog to Riley’s funeral in Nogales, a few days later. Seeing this as a chance to save his career and honor his fallen friend, Jackson agrees.
This journey with Lulu, however, proves to be a profound test for Jackson, eventually forging a deep and unexpected bond between the man and the animal in the comedy-drama film. Directed by Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin, the film’s portrayal of Jackson’s bond with the dog reflects the way in which Russ and Anna in ‘Merv’ form a deep connection with their pets.
7. The Friend (2024)
Based on Sigrid Nunez’s eponymous novel, ‘The Friend’ is the tale of Iris (Naomi Watts), an NYC-based writer, when a dog named Apollo lands in her care. The dog is given to her as per the dying wishes of her friend and mentor, Walter (Bill Murray). As she struggles to take care of the dog in her mundane and busy life, she realizes that Apollo misses his former owner. Even with the dog’s chaos, Iris builds an emotionally vulnerable bond with the four-legged creature, which may give her a new perspective on life. Directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, the drama film, akin to ‘Merv,’ is a haunting tale of redemption through the bond between animals and humans. The trials and tribulations of Merv the dog are reflected in the experiences of Apollo.
6. A Dog’s Purpose (2017)
In ‘A Dog’s Purpose,’ a dog goes through multiple births and deaths over the course of five decades to find himself and the meaning of his existence. His soul traverses different canine bodies as he learns to interact with people and impart valuable lessons on life. His journey converges with the life of an individual named Ethan (Dennis Quaid), who first rescued him in the 1960s. As he meets different owners and circumstances, his bond with Ethan is tested across the decades. Based on the novel of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron, the Lasse Hallström directorial is a layered exploration of the connection between souls, the redemptive power of love, and the purpose of life. These themes and the similarities in visual tones connect the film to ‘Merv’ and its characters.
5. Darling Companion (2012)
Directed by Lawrence Kasdan, ‘Darling Companion’ follows the journey of Beth Winter (Diane Keaton), who shares a special relationship with her dog named Freeway. She and her daughter, Grace Winter (Elisabeth Moss), find the dog by a highway and rescue it. However, Beth’s spouse, Joseph Winter (Kevin Kline), dislikes the pet, leading to complex emotional dynamics between the wife and the husband. When Joseph inadvertently loses the dog during a wedding ceremony, it creates chaos in the marriage.
Beth refuses to come home till her canine friend is found. Joseph must go beyond his limits to find the pet and reconnect with his wife. On the lines of ‘Merv,’ the drama film explores a romantic relationship in which a dog plays a pivotal role. The visuals of the movies, the themes of human-animal bonding, and the healing power of love connect them on a spiritual level.
4. Must Love Dogs (2005)
Based on Claire Cook’s eponymous novel, ‘Must Love Dogs’ is the story of Sarah Nolan (Diane Lane), a teacher who has been emotionally affected by her recent divorce. Her sister, Carol, sets up a matchmaking profile for Sarah on a website. One of the conditions of her profile is that the man who wants to pursue her must love dogs. This is because she shares a deep bond with her dog, who plays a pivotal role in her life. She eventually crosses paths with Jake Anderson (John Cusack), a divorcee, and another man named Bob Connor (Dermot Mulroney).
She must make the choice to love again or be alone. Helmed by Gary David Goldberg, the romantic comedy film explores the intricacies of people’s relationships with dogs, the emotional support pets provide, and the complexities of love. These themes and the character arcs related to romance strongly connect it to ‘Merv’ and its world.
3. Puppy Love (2023)
In ‘Puppy Love,’ Nicole Matthews (Lucy Hale) and Max Stevenson (Grant Gustin) have a terrible first date, which almost creates animosity between the two. They show no interest in each other and plan to go their separate ways. However, their plans change when they discover that their dogs have become lovers, resulting in a surprise pregnancy. The carefree and spirited Nicole and the socially awkward Max are unexpectedly forced into taking care of their pets together. But as they spend time together, they are tested by feelings that they never expected would arise. The romantic drama film, directed by Nick Fabiano and Richard Alan Reid, reflects the intertwining of love, relationships, and pet parenting seen in ‘Merv.’
2. Dog Days (2018)
Directed by Ken Marino, ‘Dog Days’ follows the lives of Tara (Vanessa Hudgens), Tyler (Finn Wolfhard), Elizabeth (Nina Dobrev), Grace (Eva Longoria), and other LA residents. Their paths cross in the summer due to their dogs, which is a turning point in their lives. As the characters navigate the ups and downs of urban life, their pets, who exhibit diverse emotions, add a layer of intrigue to their already complex existence. In this process, the characters explore love, friendship, loss, and the meaning of life in a nuanced manner within the romantic drama film. Like ‘Merv,’ the film sheds light on the importance of canine companions in the lives of people to navigate the emptiness of modern life. Both films delve into the ideas of redemption through love, which connects them on a spiritual level.
1. Marley & Me (2008)
‘Marley & Me’ revolves around newlyweds John Grogan (Owen Wilson) and Jennifer Grogan (Jennifer Aniston), who move to Florida to build a new life. Jennifer is excited about having kids, but John does not share the same enthusiasm. He gives her a puppy named Marley to delay starting a family. Though Marley grows up, he remains wildly energetic and unruly, often inviting the wrath of friends and neighbors. Marley’s lack of discipline constantly challenges the family’s patience, even after they become parents and start a full-fledged family.
The wild and lovable dog may have a few lessons left to teach the family as they deal with the stresses of life in the comedy-drama film. Based on John Grogan’s eponymous memoir and directed by David Frankel, the film examines the value of pets in the romantic lives of people, akin to ‘Merv.’ The narratives feature characters who undergo tumultuous emotional issues and form deep bonds with their pets.
Read More: Where Was Prime Video’s Merv Filmed?
