An artistic film that conveys a refreshing and new perspective of the future of technology

Rating: 9/10 (28 February 2017)

What began in the mid 1900s has now developed into a complex software, growing in its capabilities to one day control and manipulate the human race: artificial intelligence. Today's Digital Age consumes the present and the future, for better or for worse. A modern, artistic depiction of the nature of artificial intelligence is most artistically conveyed through Alex Garland's science fiction thriller, "Ex Machina." The film is beautiful in its scientific accuracy, portrayal, and discussion of computer science, biology, physics, and even psychology. "Ex Machina" follows Caleb Smith, an average Joe computer programmer, who is selected by a CEO, Nathan Bateman, to test the abilities of Ava, a human-like artificial intelligence played by Alicia Vikander. Nathan, a technology mogul, is a young, brooding creator of "Bluebook," the world's largest search engine. Flying over acres of vast, green land in a helicopter, Caleb is sent to Nathan's modern, sleek, futuristic home, which also serves as the research facility for artificial intelligence: Ava's birthplace. Caleb instructed by Nathan to perform a Turing test, which analyzes an artificial intelligence machine's capabilities to mimic human decision making and characteristics. Within these Turing tests, a computer's responses to questions should resemble those of a human, making the human's and computer's responses indistinguishable. Throughout the film, Caleb struggles between protecting Ava and satisfying Nathan's expectations of his data analysis. While the film is questioned for its eerie and ominous tone, it highlights a unique perspective of humanity and the terrifying evolution of technology and society's controversial relationship in the twenty first century.
The nature and flaws of humans portrayed in the film are given a unique spin by the juxtaposition of the human characters, Nathan and Caleb, and Ava, an artificial intelligence robot. Nathan's eerily controlling and rigid nature is shown by his treatment of Ava; he merely sees her as a means to an end. Meanwhile, a taciturn Caleb expresses his empathy for Ava's situation, believing she should be freed from the walls of the facility and experience the real world as she hopes to do someday. The use of psychological manipulation through emotional connection and sexuality are portrayed in the film through Ava's actions. Inklings of these themes are first introduced in the interactions between Caleb and Ava, who communicate through a thick glass wall. Ava's persona and intricacies resemble those of a human: she speaks in a gentle and caring manner, and even demonstrates fluid body movements especially through her eyes, hands, feet, and posture. Ava discusses deep, philosophical topics such as love, life, and death. However, it is not until Ava becomes cryptic and distrusting of Nathan that the audiences begins to see the manipulative and complex nature of her thought process. The stark contrasts between Nathan and Caleb illustrate the clash of human emotions and personalities, while the dynamic nature of Ava for personal advantage thus eerily demonstrates and forewarns the dangers of artificial intelligence.
The film itself provides a uniquely subtle, eerie, and artistic illustration of humanity and its flaws, as well as the dangers created by their brilliance, such as the artificial intelligence of Ava. In sum, "Ex Machina" perfectly portrays these abstract themes in a thought provoking manner, leaving the audience time for contemplation of the artistic piece as a whole.
The setting and cinematography of film provide a futuristic, simplistic feel, a much different sentiment than other popular films. With the starkness of Nathan's research facility and home the film is also given an ominous tone. The integration of themes of technology and manipulation within the film creates a unique perspective of humanity.