February
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Ex_Machina (2015)
Breaking genre rules is the spice of cinema life and Ex Machina (2015) breaks them all as a hybrid sci-fi chamber thriller with pretensions of stretching science into the realm of the gods (the title alludes to ‘god from machine’). Science fiction films exist to provoke awe and even fear at the power of science, and today it is focused especially on the field of artificial intelligence and the possibility that man will one day create a sentient being capable of self-redesign (a hypothetical point futurists call ‘the singularity’). The ‘chamber’ dynamic puts a small number of people into a confined space over a short period of time to intensify their interactions, and when their intentions are unknown or unhinged, the thriller genre emerges in all its frightening glory.
These are the key ingredients of a story in which IT nerd Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) wins a competition to spend a week with his firm’s reclusive CEO (Oscar Isaac) during which he will administer a Turing test to the boss’s newest creation, an android called Eva (Alicia Vikander). As an historical aside, this still influential test was developed in 1950 by the ‘father of computing’ Alan Turing to tell the difference between humans and robots. Put simply, if the answers given by an android can pass as human, then artificial intelligence is said to exist. Caleb is thrilled by the opportunity, even if the bearded beer-swilling iron-pumping CEO gives him the creeps. But it’s a chess game of guessing what is happening, who is manipulating who, and what is the real reason Caleb is there. Ultimately the story poses the question: is it possible for a human creation to rise against its human creator? If you think this is fantasy, Google ‘the singularity’.
With brilliantly atmospheric photography, a secluded setting, and three well-defined characters competing for control, this is a tautly directed and well scripted sci-fi that remains within the boundaries of scientific plausibility. If anything is out of balance, it is the acting of Alicia Vikander as the android. Her presence tends to overwhelm any film in which she appears, like in the recent films The Danish Girl (2015) and Testament of Youth (2015). But that is hardly criticism. This is an intelligent, engaging and thoughtful exploration of where the field of artificial intelligence stands today, where it is heading, and the issues to be confronted as we look beyond our current knowledge horizons.
Director: Alex Garland
Stars: Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac
CineMuseFilms 
Alicia Vikander is the next big thing. Her acting career is going to be amazing. This year alone she was in 3-4 great films.
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Her speech at the Oscars was outstanding too. She is right at the top of her game and still so much more ahead of her.
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It’s great to see so many people appreciating Ex Machina for the pure cinema that it is. A true modern masterpiece.
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2015 definitely belonged to Alicia Vikander. I was so glad that she got an Oscar. She was in one of the most fun films of last year – The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and one of the most thought-provoking – Ex_Machina. I think the question of what defines humanity will need stretching because soon humans will be able to play God. I think the question you raise about a creation rising above its creator is a good one. One could easily apply this to the relationship humanity has with religion. Thanks for stopping by my blog, I’ll be sure to return the favour.
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This was one of my favourites of the year. I thought it was fantastic. And Oscar Isaac can do no wrong in my eyes.
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I’ve come to accept the fact that everybody else saw a lot more in this movie than I did as all I came away with was that it’s a story about a guy trying to build a better sex toy. And Alicia Vikander has yet to impress me with her acting. I’ve seen her in three movies; this one, “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and “The Danish Girl” and she bored me in all three.
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Derrick, but Ex-Machina stands tall in the Sci-Fi genre. It cleverly plays on growing fears (in credible scientific circles) that artificial intelligence will one day outsmart humans.
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Loved the special effects and the story line. Good acting too.
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Loved this and it’s good enough that I have since watched it again. Not in my top twenty mind (but I am fiendishly picky). All actors were spot on as well. – Esme Cloud waving at him
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I’ve often wondered if maybe you are composed entirely of AI particles.
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