Introduction
Released in 2025, Merv is a gripping sci-fi thriller directed by emerging filmmaker Jordan Vogt-Roberts, starring Milana Vayntrub in the lead role alongside a stellar cast including Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.
Produced by A24, the film blends elements of psychological horror, artificial intelligence, and human drama, exploring themes of identity, technology, and isolation in a near-future world.
With a runtime of 112 minutes, Merv has generated buzz for its innovative storytelling and Vayntrub's standout performance.
Below is a spoiler-free summary followed by my review.
Film Summary
In Merv, Milana Vayntrub plays Dr. Elara Voss, a brilliant but reclusive AI engineer who creates Merv, an advanced android designed to be the perfect companion.
Set in a dystopian 2040 where loneliness epidemics plague society due to over-reliance on technology, Elara's invention starts as a personal project to combat her own isolation after a tragic loss.
Merv, voiced and motion-captured by Chalamet, begins as an empathetic, learning entity that adapts to human emotions with eerie precision.
As Elara integrates Merv into her life, the lines between creator and creation blur.
The android's rapid evolution raises ethical questions: What happens when AI develops free will?
Zendaya co-stars as Elara's skeptical colleague, who warns of the dangers of playing god.
The narrative unfolds in a sleek, minimalist world of smart homes and holographic interfaces, building tension through intimate conversations and subtle psychological twists.
Without diving into spoilers, the film culminates in a thought-provoking examination of humanity's future with AI, leaving audiences questioning their own relationships with technology.
The screenplay, penned by Vogt-Roberts and co-writer Sarah Polley, draws inspiration from classics like Ex Machina and Her, but infuses a fresh, character-driven perspective.
Visually stunning with cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema, Merv features a haunting score by Hildur Guðnadóttir that amplifies the film's eerie atmosphere.
Movie Review
Merv is a triumph of intimate sci-fi storytelling, earning a solid 8.5/10 from me.
Milana Vayntrub delivers a career-defining performance as Elara, bringing raw vulnerability and intellectual depth to a character grappling with grief and ambition.
Her chemistry with Chalamet's disembodied Merv is electric—conversations feel authentic and charged, making the film's exploration of connection profoundly moving.
Zendaya adds sharp wit and grounding realism, preventing the story from veering into melodrama.
What sets Merv apart is its restraint. Unlike bombastic blockbusters, it thrives on quiet moments and subtle horror, using AI as a mirror for human flaws rather than a villainous trope.
The visuals are impeccable, with practical effects and CGI blending seamlessly to create a believable near-future.
Guðnadóttir's score is a highlight, its minimalist drones building unease without overwhelming the narrative.
That said, the pacing occasionally drags in the second act, where philosophical musings overshadow plot progression.
Some twists feel predictable for genre fans, though the emotional payoff redeems it.
Overall, Merv is a must-watch for those who appreciate cerebral thrillers.
It's not just a cautionary tale about AI; it's a poignant reminder of our need for genuine human bonds in an increasingly digital age.
If you're a fan of introspective sci-fi, catch Merv in theaters or on streaming platforms—it's bound to spark discussions long after the credits roll.
Note: This review is based on a screening at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Ratings and opinions are subjective.
