Review of Ex Machina (2015) by Jake C — 12 Nov 2015

Alex Garland's directorial debut Ex Machina (2015) was released mid July on DVD and Blu-Ray. Mr. Garland wrote the screenplays for the lauded 28 Days Later (2002) and the underrated/underappreciated Dredd (2012). Alex Garland did not disappoint with his genre driven directorial debut. Ex Machina (2015) is both gorgeous and thought provoking.

Mr. Garland's debut film treads in the footsteps of sci-fi classics like Solaris (1972), Blade Runner (1982), and Ghost in the Shell (1995). Besides convincing world building these films share the existential question of, what does it mean to be alive/human? As the digital age continues to progress art that asks this question are more pertinent than ever.

Hard science fiction is different from space opera or melodrama. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Star Trek (2009), and Star Wars (1977) are different genres and or sub-genres. Despite the rise in popularity of "geek" culture hard science fiction has not enjoyed the same renaissance as genres like fantasy, super heroes, and space opera. Ex Machina (2015) bucks that recent trend along with films like Christopher Nolan's Interstellar (2014) showing the financial viability of hard science fiction movies.

Alex Garland utilized a small cast and shot on the same few interiors and exteriors. In some ways Ex Machina (2015) is a small independent film with one extraordinary multimillion dollar visual effect. The juxtaposition of the cold modern interiors to the lush natural exteriors is stark and noteworthy. The stunning exteriors depiction of nature with lush green colors and running water made me wonder if Garland was invoking the sci-fi classic Solaris (1972)?

Oscar Isaacs gives another great performance following strong work in Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) and A Most Violent Year (2014). Domhnall Gleeson one of the Weasley brothers in the Harry Potter film series and a revelation in Frank (2014) is dynamic starring opposite Isaacs in Ex Machina (2015). Both Alicia Vikander (Ava) & Sonoya Mizuno (Kyoko) have a background in dance that is evident in the impressive physicality in the two actress's performances. Alicia Vikander's Ava gives Sean Young's Rachel a run for her money as the greatest cinematic female android.

Ex Machina (2015) is the promise of modern day digital filmmaking's use in the science fiction genre. Meticulous set and costume design are seamlessly merged with stunning digital effects to create a gorgeous film. Ex Machina (2015) is not just eye candy. It features strong performances and a thought provoking plot that's a strong directorial debut from writer director Alex Garland.