Solid Sci-Fi film in a contemporary setting.

Rating: 7/10 (1 February 2016)

Ex Machina, one of the best reviewed movie, is a solid sci-fi, thought provoking film. But Ex Machina is not as tight knit as it could be. It packs a punch and then some more, and then gets knocked out towards the end. Intricate plot settings, set design, acting, thought concepts, which touch popular philosophical thoughts of our age, and fine dialogue propel this film in spite of its flaws. Though it's supposed to be better with second viewing, the movie doesn't have enough "aha" moments to keep viewers engaged in their second sitting.
Ex film is a great sci-fi film. There is no doubt about that. Thought concepts arise and are explained in same scene so as not to build suspense around these concepts but on plot of the story. "Turing test" forms the plot device of this film, and it is taken to the next level in terms of applicability and broadness. Sub plots that deal with automation, nature & nurture, AI vs human distinction, robot slavery, and dangers of AI keep viewers engaged as well as thinking throughout the movie. Further, Ex Machina shares some features with other good sci-fi films especially minimal number of characters, futuristic contemporary technology, and foreign setting sans high graphic action sequences.
This is not to say that the movie is flawless. In light of thought provoking movie genre, Ex-machina has some issues. First, stimulating thoughts pushes viewers to analyze plot of the movie with greater depth. Some may find alternate and better settings that have been shown in other movies of similar genre. Hence, it is inevitable to find loopholes in movies such as Ex Machina that amalgamates contemporary concepts with futuristic settings or vice versa. Oscar Isaac as a drunkard, and primal card system are examples of some convenient settings that could have been worked upon.
Use of nature, pollock's paintings, and human lust show a human side in this futuristic movie with immaculate set design. The director forces us to think about human emotions and dangers of AI. Viewers rooting for Ava towards the end of the movie should be considered zenith of EX Machina. From then the movie doesn't move forward well as the forced "twist" at the end of the movie is a hit or miss. At least for me the end inclines towards a miss.
Though not perfect, Ex-Machina has its heart in the right place. It has promising setting. Expect future movies to exploit this feature. It is as much a test to humans as it is to robots with AI. Do you really like a thing, or do you think that we like it because you are programmed to do so, or do you pretend to like it so as to seem human?
Are you HUMAN? or Are you fitted with AI?
What's the test?