Review of Ex Machina (2015) by Russell G — 23 Jul 2016

We live in an exciting time where algorithms filter through masses of information and respond to your interests. Advances in robotics are developing rapidly and major changes in our world are coming. Ex-Machina is an amazing movie that raises political and moral issues that we will undoubtedly face soon.

It is a smart conceptual science-fiction thriller about a young programmer recruited to assess a robotic prototype with advanced artificial intelligence. The man who selects him for this task is a wealthy tech genius who has isolated himself from the world on a vast remote estate.

His estate and home are gorgeous, but immediately upon the young man's arrival, there is a dark suspense and things seem mysteriously off, but it is not readily apparent why. Alex Garland's writing and direction are an exquisite masterpiece.

The audience follows the emotions of the main character in a most effective way. There are moments of excitement, curiosity and discovery, but there is also a strong cloud of fear and suspicion throughout the movie.

As things unfold, you do not know is trustworthy. There is a constant sense of claustrophobic danger. The tone is unnerving and creepy, and it builds to moments that are downright frightening. The direction and acting are top-level and the story is full of surprises and suspense.

Despite a limited budget and a cast of only a few talented actors, this movie achieves everything this ambitious film sets out to do. Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander and Oscar Isaac are perfect for their roles, and they do a fantastic job to bring a great story to its full potential.

Most of the movie is dialogue but the physical acting and the actor's ability to get into character will keep you fully engaged. It will mess with your emotions, get in your head and leave with big picture questions for weeks.

I think this is one of the all-time great science fiction movies, and I cannot recommend this one strongly enough.