Woman or Machine

Rating: 8/10 (18 April 2015)

It's always great going in to a movie without having any expectations or knowing very little about it, and watching this one I was really glad i knew so little.
The movie starts off clean and simple, no bullsh@#ing around. Caleb, an employee of a "Google" like search engine called "Bluebook" wins a contest to travel to a remote research facility located in woods. There he meets his boss, Nathan (founder and owner of Bluebook) to undertake a test of his new AI Robot Ava. The test is to see if the human suspect is tricked, or to think that the AI does actually have a conscience.
From the moment Caleb meets Nathan There is a bad ambiance in the air. The relationship between the characters is almost haunting, even though both characters try being friendly, the way they look and speak to each other comes off as eerie. They both do a great job and make the mood of the film. And the fact that Caleb signs a NON-disclosure agreement does not make the mood any brighter.
The relationship between Ava and Caleb is established through sessions of interviews where they only can communicate separated by a transparent wall. The sessions of conversation between Ava and Caleb create events of high tension between the characters and evolve the question of morality set in the film.
Filmed in the beautiful scenery of the Norwegian wilderness creates a good contrast between the high-tech research facilities and the nature. Also having the facilities in a remote location makes the movie more claustrophobic and effective when escape and the theme of freedom play a large part in the film.
Holding the movie back for somewhat weird special effects at times, I feel is wrong. It looks for the most part quite good and I feel that is was made with great passion for the subject.
I highly recommend this movie to everyone. It's thrilling and filled with emotion. Give it a watch.