Director: Caradog W. James.
Starring: Caity Lotz, Toby Stephens, Sam Hazeldine, Denis Lawson, Lee Nicholas Harris, Pooneh Hajimohammadi.
Running Time: 91 minutes.
Certificate: 15.
Synopsis: Computer programmers work to develop artificial intelligence, while the company they work for sees the machines as weapons.
With so much focus on effects extravaganzas in the science-fiction world, you’d think that big film companies would realise that it’s the smaller films that are really pushing the genre. In THE MACHINE we follow a story that has admittedly been told many times before. A computer programmer and robot developer (Toby Stephens) hopes to develop advanced A.I. in an attempt to preserve the mind of his sick daughter. To do this, he hires the best that the industry has to offer and comes across Ava (Caity Lotz), whose latest program can be creepily human at times. However, those involved have darker intentions regarding the progression of such technology.
THE MACHINE may not be original in plot, but its execution is highly thoughtful and perfectly executed. Each character has their motives, and although the villainous character portrayed by Denis Lawson is all about the money and that’s what defines him, those who receive the most focus are very well developed. James’ decision to explore the material as a drama for the most part is what sets this apart from a lot of whizz-bang cinema and also provides a calming and almost euphoric tone that easily hypnotises.
Outside of its tone, the visuals are very dark and unsettling. The sets are claustrophobic and grim places which add a more sinister edge in line with horror. The designs of the machines are exceptional, and when paired with the actors we are delivered astonishingly full creations that are both human as well as mechanical. From their movements to line delivery, every intricate detail of these complex characters is mapped out. We also see a range of different ‘emotions’ as the computerised humans try to learn about behaviour, violence and life. James always makes sure to remind us both how vulnerable and dangerous these robots are.
The effects are another huge boost to the film’s credibility as these are possibly the most believable robot/human hybrids you will have ever seen. The creation process involving liquid poured into a transparent shell is simply beautiful, as well as conveying the uneasy atmosphere of the entire project. THE MACHINE constantly engages by attacking the idea from all angles, often seeming as though it could go in any direction, be it horror, drama, romance, espionage, or full on action. This uncertainty breathes so much tension into the veins of the film that it’s impossible to look away.
With fantastic performances, characters to care about, stunning effects and tight pacing, THE MACHINE offers a lot on its small scale. The only real issue is that with so many directions for it to travel, when it does finally commit to one, you can’t help but feel a little disappointed. But we can’t have it all. Revisiting ideas that have been explored for many years is never an easy task, and it is even more difficult to offer something new to say. THE MACHINE works as a triumphant conclusion to the many films and stories that have come before it while also leaving the door open for more interpretations to come.
[usr=4] THE MACHINE is released in UK cinemas on Friday 21st March and has a limited US release from 25th April. It is then released on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on 31st March, 2014.
