These days, the concept of artificial intelligence and its disturbing complications have become commonplace in many science-fiction projects. We’ve seen it explored most recently in films like Transcendence and we’ll see it again in next week’s Avengers sequel. However, it is difficult to imagine the idea executed any better than in the new film, Ex Machina. It may not be nearly as large in budget, but it’s ideas are far grander in scale.
Caleb (Domhnall Glesson) works for a browser company run by the famous, powerful and secretive Nathan (Oscar Isaac). When he wins the opportunity to meet his boss at a remote location and help him with a new project, the young man couldn’t be more excited. Upon arriving, he is introduced to Ava (Alicia Vikander), the latest in artificial intelligence. His job is to help converse with Ava and test the robot for bugs and ticks – her creator wants the appearance of humanity to be completely seamless.
What follows are a series of sessions in which Caleb gets to know the AI and attempts to look for tells. Ava is a fascinating character. She’s difficult to get a handle on, simply because it’s so hard to determine her authenticity and one must take invoice of not only what she says, but why she might be saying it. Are her reactions natural, or are they approximations of what she thinks Caleb and Nathan want to see?
But that’s not the only curious relationship. The eccentric Nathan is friendly but extremely secretive. He and Caleb partake in fascinating conversations about the meaning of his AI work, what he hopes to accomplish, and the inherent dangers. Surprisingly, these moments are much funnier than anticipated, with some sharp and incisive interplay between the two. It lends a more playful touch to some heavy discussions. Nathan’s own egotistical qualities are amusing to witness as the creator warps Caleb’s comments into self-promoting sound bites.
As one might have imagined by now, this is a talky movie, mostly made up of conversations. However, the cast are more than up to the task. There is plenty of variety in discussion between the leads as they feel out each other and attempt to discern true motives. We’re meant to experience this world through Caleb’s eyes, and he’s more than likable enough for us to follow. The isolated environment also helps generate a sense of unease.
As events take a stranger and more uncertain turn, we begin to question the humanity of many of the characters. In fact, all of them come under scrutiny at one point or another. We’re never quite sure what is what and if people really are who they appear to be. This adds greatly to the suspense and writer/director Alex Garland (writer of 28 Days Later, Sunshine, Never Let Me Go and Dredd) milks these scenes for all they’re worth. The finale is downright creepy, as many of the character’s intentions become abundantly clear.
It’s difficult to review this film without giving too much away in terms of the themes it deals with as well as the implications of many modern technological conveniences we enjoy on a daily basis. Suffice to say Ex Machina (like much of the filmmaker’s other works) is thoughtful and challenging science-fiction. It is confidently made, always compelling, and takes great care with its subject. Viewers will likely still be thinking and talking about the film long after they’ve seen it. Those looking for a little more heft to their helpings of robots and AI should definitely give it a try.