 |
| Garland's directorial debut is brilliant. |
Directed by Alex Garland
Produced by Andrew Macdonald and Allon Reich
Written by Alex Garland
Starring Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander and Oscar Isaac
A
Alex Garland's first outing as a director is a fascinating science-fiction thriller. Caleb (Gleeson) is a young programmer who wins a contest to take part in a history-making experiment involving the development of artificial intelligence. When he arrives at the research facility, which is located at an isolated house in the countryside, he meets Nathan (Isaac), the founder of the company Caleb works for and the head (only) researcher. Nathan and Caleb begin a series of tests on Ava (Vikander), a promising A.I. who demonstrates human behavior. As Caleb conducts interviews with her, studying her reactions, he starts to develop feelings toward her and doubt Nathan's intentions. But can either Ava (robot) or Nathan (human) be trusted? Will man or machine win the day?
Not without an impressive resume (writing original works like 28 Days Later… and Sunshine), Alex Garland explores familiar territory in a compelling, fresh approach. A.I. movies are rarely as thoughtful, minimal, and beautiful. The cast is uniformly great, but the film also benefits from excellent production values. Visually the film is absolutely stunning. From the rich cinematography to the flawless production design, this film drips with fine craftsmanship - and on a low budget, too. The atmosphere really allows the story to delve into the psyches of the men and the inner workings of the machine. While this dynamic has been explored, it's not often as effective or organic as Garland is able to present it. Interestingly, the score is provided by two composers - Geoff Barrow and Ben Salisbury - who've specialized in documentary scores. The music pervades the film, and only heightens the tension in this fight for survival. It might be sold a sci-fi indie, but the film, which is one of the year's best so far, is also one of the best psychological thrillers in a while.
Oscar Potential: None
What I loved about this one was the choice of setting it in a single location. Garland's script was tight and as usual, fresh.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the one location was used to great effect in this film, and Garland's script was terrific.
DeleteExcellent review! I loved this one as much as you did. It was definitely visually stunning. Shame it won't get any production design love at the Oscars.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Oh, I really wish it had a shot at the Oscars. Maybe it'll be eligible for Best International Film at the Indie Spirits.
DeleteThe more I read about this the more I'm convinced that I MUST SEE IT!!! UGH...why can't I get to the movies more? This sounds so good. Great review.
ReplyDeleteThanks man! Yes, you MUST see it! It is so good.
DeleteWe really liked this one. Lots to like and think about. We'd love to hear from you - trying to get a discussion going between movie bloggers.
ReplyDeletehttp://assholeswatchingmovies.com/2015/05/05/ex-machina-the-spoiler-filled-discussion/
Thanks for the link. I'll try to stop by and comment soon.
DeleteLove the review! I cannot wait to see this. I'm so glad Alicia Vikander is getting more recognition.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Vikander was great in films like Anna Karenina and A Royal Affair, so I'm also happy that she's getting more great roles now.
DeleteYES! Glad to hear you love this too Josh! I agree w/ what you said about the music, it adds so much to the experience.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a great decision to use composers who'd done doc scores, since this was a psychological thriller. It worked very well in the film.
DeleteI loved it too! Alex Garland’s arrival behind the camera is a welcome one. Ex Machina is an engaging, creepy, entertaining and bold sci-fi thriller. Gleeson, Isaac and especially Vikander are a strong and mesmerizing central trio who perfectly work with the film’s twists and turns.
ReplyDeleteGlad you also love it! It's such a brilliant little film. Garland totally delivered, as did the cast.
DeleteAwesome review Josh! I absolutely loved the fuck out of this film - Vikander was amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks! The cast was great all around, and I loved the concept of the film.
DeleteGreat review buddy, completely agree that is was an organic, fascinating psycho thriller. Definitely one of the year's best so far.
ReplyDeleteThanks buddy! I wasn't sure what to expect, but this is a real gem. It looks beautiful, and the storytelling is first-rate.
Delete