Monday, November 14, 2016

Ex Machina

The Gist: A young programmer wins a contest to spend a week at his programmer-genius boss' remote estate. The real reason behind the invitation is for the boss to have the employee test whether his new, secret, and groundbreaking humanoid AI could pass for a human being.

Prepare to have your mind blown. Ex Machina is a really well put together thriller that asks some serious questions about what our future as a species might look like if when AI becomes a reality.

Domhnall Gleeson and (the ever present is seems) Oscar Isaac do an excellent job in two roles they seem perfectly suited to inhabit. Alicia Vikander, Oscar winner this same calendar year for The Danish Girl, turns in another memorable performance, overlooked only because of the sci-fi undertones.

Ex Machina won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects and was nominated for Best Screenplay as well.

The Bottom Line: This is a very well written thriller, expertly edited and directed to maximize suspense, all leading up to a scary good ending. Definitely recommended.

Grade: 8

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Massimo, I liked this movie quite a lot. It was a really well-fashioned story. I saw it awhile ago, so I don't remember the details, but the overall impression was lasting. Such an interesting topic. One I hope is explored by other filmmakers and different stories. I'm fascinated with AI and the idea of "the singularity," a seamless fusing of AI and our own consciousness. Have you read any of Ray Kurzweil's work.

Really, well-written review! I'm enjoying reading your opinions about movies. More, please!

Massimo said...

Martha, I have not read his work, but I am fascinated by AI in general too. I might be the only person who liked Spielberg's AI... Yes, it had some narrative flaws, but the kernel of the film was good, I thought. And what about Star Trek's Data!! Loved him!

I'm watching Westworld right now, where you can experience the ultimate in humanoids and AI, and it's quite a good show.

Thank you so much for reading and enjoying my reviews!! :)