Best sci fi film for at least the last two decades.

Rating: 10/10 (16 May 2020)

I've just managed to catch up with this film having not gotten round to seeing it upon release, and I've got to say, this is instantly my favourite sci fi movie since at least 'The Matrix'.
I didn't know what to expect before I watched it as I didn't really know anything about it but was pleasantly surprised to see Oscar Issac and Domhnall Gleeson starring who would go on to be future Star Wars stalwarts in the sequel trilogy.
The plot is actually quite simple and straightforward but it just throws up twist after twist and really keeps the audience guessing to the end, the film could be construed as slow and 'talky' - which it kind of is - but there's not a wasted scene or bit of dialogue, which is both intelligent and witty, often at the same time and is paced to perfection which is reflected on it's relatively lean-ish running time.
Both the leads in the very small cast are excellent, with Issac in particular putting in an outstanding, multi-faceted performance. He manages to be friendly and charming yet creepy and kind of intimidating at times too, all whilst giving off a chilled out, super intelligent vibe, which the geeky Gleeson struggles to adapt to at first as they spar with each other as the film progresses into psychological thriller territory. Alicia Vikander is great also as the robot that the plot centres around.
Visually the film, whilst clearly set in the future, seems grounded and realistic in the same way that Nolan's batman trilogy, or Inception manages to do. Visual effects are used sparingly and to great effect and perfectly service the plot. People looking for CGI action sequences need to look elsewhere and the film feels fresh and all the better for it. The cinematography is gorgeous and the score is subdued when it needs to be and quite menacing when things start coming to a head.
This is an intelligent, thought provoking piece of science fiction that doesn't ask so much of it's audience that is crumbles under the weight of it's own importance, yet it makes you think whilst keeping you on your toes simultaneously.
I can't recommend this film highly enough.