Brilliant Sci-Fi Based in Emotion

Rating: 10/10 (6 May 2015)

What a brilliant little sci-fi film this is. That is, if you can really call it a sci-fi. In truth, "Ex Machina" is indeed a sci-fi, but it has qualities that other films of the genre don't. It's also a strange romance and a character study...of three different characters.
The film follows Caleb (Dohmnall Gleeson) who wins a week at the home of a brilliant scientist named Nathan (Oscar Isaac). Nathan wants Caleb to be part of a trial run for his new artificially intelligent robot. This involves the Turing test, where Caleb must interact with the A.I., and if he can't notice that she isn't human, she passes. The catch is that the A.I. robot is in the form of an attractive woman named Ava (Alicia Vikander.) As we go along we learn that Nathan has some shocking secrets and the film becomes an intense and thrilling ride to see not only if Ava passes the test, but to see if Caleb uncovers the truth behind his trip.
"Ex Machina" is shot quite unlike other sci-fi films. The cutting isn't rapid and each shot is given room to breathe. This is partly because there is very little action in the film. It draws on human (and non-human) emotions to drive the story and it is so refreshing to avoid all the violent hoopla that comes with most films like this. The film is surprisingly well-lit judging by its dark tone and as the film goes on, the camera gets closer to the actors, symbolizing the fact that the audience learns more and more about the characters as time passes.
Another driving point for the film is three very good performances. As Vikander's robot seduces Caleb, she also seduces us. She doesn't do this through her looks, but through her tone of her voice and through the fact that she actually seems human. Dohmnall Gleeson has shown glimpses of brilliance in the past, but he really shines here as the character we relate to most. Most of all, Oscar Isaac is outstanding as the villain in the tale. The way he tries to befriend Caleb, yet is so mysterious, is unnerving, but wonderful to watch.
One of the best things about the film is the score. As can be imagined, there are numerous points in the film that stir us up, and gnaw at us to keep us guessing what will happen. Along with that is a simple score that builds and keeps building until we can hardly take the tension any longer. It is thrilling and really adds to the film tremendously.
"Ex Machina" exceeds a number of other sci-fi and A.I.-focused films by bending the genre and focusing on human emotion over spectacle. It is one of the best films of 2015 thus far, and serves as an exciting booster for its three rising actors.