Director: Alex Garland

Writers: Alex Garland

Stars: Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac

Strength: Script, acting and character development

Weakness: Gets predictable towards the end

Runtime: 108 minutes

Rating: 4/5

PLOT: A young programmer is selected to participate in a breakthrough experiment in artificial intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a breathtaking female A.I.

REVIEW:  A reclusive CEO of a leading technology company hires a young whiz kid who works for him to test his latest development, a highly advanced android called Ava. Specifically he is tasked with using the Turing test on her to establish if her AI is sufficiently convincing to pass as human. Despite contributing several scripts for the screen, this is writer Alex Garland's first directorial effort. It's a hard sci-fi movie which examines concepts and ideas above everything else. That's not to say it isn't dramatic or even thrilling, but it's not an action movie which sci-fi lovers are usually used to seeing. The central concept that it examines is artificial intelligence. How we interact with AI as humans, as well as how a seductive machine could in turn manipulate us. The very well written script poses philosophical questions such as moral or immoral ways to treat AI. If AI exists, should there be AI rights? While the very small cast all acquit themselves very well, it is Vikander who stands out in the film's most challenging role as the android. It's a nuanced performance that captures the fine balance between the human-like and machine. The marvelous special effects compliment her performance to create a very distinctive character. Aside from the effects, this is probably quite a modestly budgeted film, as the small little-known cast and limited sets suggest. But these restrictions have been used to the film's advantage, as the unknown cast delivers well and the restricted setting gives off a claustrophobic feel which works well given the script and the story, while forcing us to focus in even more on the ideas being put in front of us. A scene setting ambient soundtrack additionally creates just the right off-kilter mood to accentuate the events. But it's ultimately the very good writing that underpins the success of this film. All-in-all, very impressive science fiction for those who appreciate the genre's more cerebral side. It's a must watch for people who primarily watch movies for their story and acting performances, and love movies that explore new ideas.

Reviewed by Mohammad Haque