Score: 5/5
The concept of artificial intelligence programming has been a hot topic for Hollywood filmmakers as of late. But no previous film in the growing genre can hold a light to the latest attempt, “Ex Machina.”
The film’s writer and director Alex Garland truly tapped into the excitement and concern of technology enthusiasts by creating a thrilling, daringly innovative yet beautifully simple plot that leaves viewers speechless.
The movie follows only three characters.
The AI creator, Nathan, played by Oscar Isaac, is a self-entitled, manipulative genius whose intelligence is matched only by his thirst for god-like power.
The tester, Caleb, played by Domhnall Gleeson, represents the good-natured, naive protagonist, eager to make a name for himself while never compromising his integrity and basic values.
And the machine, a beautiful, seemingly innocent new form of life named Ava, played by Alicia Vikander, is the most deceiving character of the three.
Each of the three are tested in their own way on the path to evolutionary progression, love and the pursuit of basic human happiness.
Gleeson and Isaac performed seamlessly on screen and offered the audience the painfully tense relationship it expected. Both actors, though from rather different backgrounds, meshed perfectly throughout the film, only revealing tiny glimpses into what the next scene would bring.
But probably the most impressive performance came from Vikander as the cold, yet intriguing Ava.
Vikander depicted an incredibly realistic version of what AI would act like, displaying basic human qualities of innocence, sexuality and manipulation, while at the same time drawing the audience into her twisted plan and putting them on her side.
Additionally, the film’s clean and innovative cinematography paired with a compelling score brought that much more to the exciting, sometimes heart-pounding, plot.
There are arguably no inconsistencies throughout the plot of “Ex Machina,” and it’s safe to say this will not be last compelling work of Garland.
Exploring every possible ethical scenario when attempting to create life, “Ex Machina” challenges the audiences to stretch the depths of their imaginations, and the writing confronts the notion of mankind’s eventual obsoletion and animalistic nature.
“Ex Machina” is a must-see for anyone seeking the technologically fascinating or simply another thriller on screen.