With advances in AI progressing at an unprecedented speed, science fiction movies on the subject are intriguing viewers, with fans saying this 2014 film is a window into the future
A terrifying glimpse into what the future could hold is airing on Film 4 tonight.
Alex Garland wrote and made his directorial debut with science fiction film Ex Machina, starring the award winning actress Alicia Vikander as a humanoid robot.
He had the initial idea for the film when he was just an 11-year-old boy and was experimenting with coding on a computer his parents had bought him. He read up on the subject of consciousness and discussed the topic with a neuroscientist friend who believed robots could never become sentient. The concept of whether robots are truly capable of thought is explored in the “fantastic” Ex Machina and fans believe it could be a scary glimpse of the future as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to develop more quickly than we ever thought possible.
Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) is a programmer at search engine company Blue Book. When he wins a competition to spend a week at the sumptuous, but isolated home of his CEO, Nathan (Oscar Isaac), things take a strange turn. After reluctantly signing a non-disclosure agreement he is instructed to investigate whether a humanoid named Ava (Alicia Vikander) is capable of conscious thought and if he can relate to her in any way. Caleb must decide if Ava is speaking the truth about her creator or whether he is being duped by the robot.
When it was released in 2015 in the UK and US the movie grossed over $36.8 million worldwide on a $15 million budget. It had a positive critical response for its screenplay, effects and performances and was hailed as one of the best films of the decade. It won Best Visual Effects at the 88th Academy Awards and director Garland was nominated for Best Original Screenplay. It also received five BAFTA nominations, including Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Vikander. She was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globe Awards.
Fans couldn’t agree more with the numerous accolades. Taking to Rotten Tomatoes, where it has a 92% positive score, one raved: “Whether you are into sci-fi or not, this is a must see!! Fantastic film!” Another said: “One of the greatest concepts of exactly what the future in artificial intelligence is going to be like as soon as we figure out quantum computing. Amazing!”
Someone else recognised its relevance today: “Wonderful. The AI revolution is a hot topic,” they wrote. “This movie does a great job of depicting the realities in which we live today. The notion of consciousness is tested. A young man is used as a lab rat in an isolated location to test Ava, a human-like robot, and vice-versa.”
Another fan praised Garland’s vision: “A superb debut as a director by Garland in this smart AI thriller that builds tension with its remote setting and sly genius of its antagonist. A movie of style and smarts. One of 2014’s best movies.” While this person ranks small as better: “This proves you don’t need a bloated budget to make a great Sci-Fi movie. Great small cast, well written, and slowly pulls you in and grabs you until the end.”
Ex Machina airs on Film 4 at 9pm tonight, Friday 21 November.
