Director: Alex Garland
Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 108 minutes
Special Features: The Story, The Cast, The Design, Creating Ava, The Turing Test
There was an assured excitement that surrounded the theatrical release of Ex_Machina and like many this was my first venture into Alex Garland’s exploration of Artificial Intelligence becoming a reality. In truth, the style I was eager for is my idea of cinematic perfection and the conclusive verdict? It surpassed my expectations.
Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) works for global Internet search engine Bluebook and wins a competition to spend the week with its CEO Nathan, played by Oscar Isaac. The introduction to this situation happens within the blink of an eye and so before we know it, we’re in a helicopter with Caleb and arrive at a remote location and meet the elusive exec. This isn’t your ordinary meet-up though as Nathan is set to introduce Caleb to his very own design; an almost perfect A.I. invention named Ava (Alicia Vikander) and our visitor has been chosen to test her consciousness.
Ex_Machina goes above and beyond as it pulls from some the greatest Robot and A.I. inspired films in modern movie history and completely conceives its own story. I felt spirit of Spielberg’s A.I. (and some Jurassic Park), Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot and even the unforgiving Maria of 1927’s Metropolis however writer and director Garland manages to carve his name into that prominent tree of work.
There’s psychological play at work from the very foundation as you question the nature of everyone involved. I found that I switched between each character, both trusting and mistrusting each and every word as the narrative progresses. But, very importantly, the drama isn’t over-done and this is helped by the lush, soft electronic score by Geoff Barrow and Ben Salisbury that layers effortlessly between the ever-changing sensations of the scene.
In truth, the story is straightforward but the individual connectivity of the cast brings everything we need for the story to come to life. Gleeson is once again a shining star with an innocence that’s cleverly woven with a strong desire to do what’s right. Isaac is reclusive and fascinating with a dark charm that takes a while to unravel. Then, possibly most importantly, Vikander’s Ava is captivating, unerring but mostly magnificent. There’s nothing but praise from me for all concerned.
Ex_Machina outperformed what I’d hoped for and that’s my individual mark of an exceptional film. Subtle but powerful, refreshingly original and utterly inspired, you won’t regret a single moment or be able to take your eyes off it for a second.
[usr=5] Ex_Machina is out now on digital download and available to buy on Blu-ray and DVD from 1st June.
