To be or not to be takes on new meaning in this thought-provoking sci-fi thriller

Rating: Null/10 (27 September 2016)

In the main, reviews of the film have been positive and the few that were not that I came across labeled it, "superficial", "had potential", "simplifies a very complex issue", etc. However, I am coming out in strong defense of this film for the following reasons: excellent direction, (doubly impressive when one realizes this is his directorial debut), very good acting from the three leads, an intriguing musical score that highlights the tensions and intrigue at the right moments, and the right amount of symbolism, and movie-making skills to push a sci-fi genre with enough touch of mystery and thrilling aspects to make it entertaining. Is it a mainstream, Hollywood film? i don't think so. Did it and does it deserve a wider audience for the compelling questions it raises (far more than answers given)? Absolutely. We are on the threshold with artificial intelligence and do not understand its far-reaching implications. Where do science, morality, the unpredictable, the human spirit and the spiritual converge? This film - in my opinion - is both deep and entertaining and it leaves us asking more questions than it answers. For these reasons, I highly recommend this film. I should mention, I'm not a real sci-fi fan, but think this film will become - as another reviewer has already mentioned - a sci-fi classic in the future. Artificial intelligence and man's ability to create intelligence by design remain largely controversial topics for very good reasons. If this film gets you thinking and people talking, I say it has already succeeded.