A smarter sci-fi film that will have you engaged with the amazing characters

Rating: 9/10 (14 May 2015)

Ex Machina is a Sci-Fi film that focuses on the testing of AI and really explores that idea of creating a conscious machine. What i loved about this film is that it ditched all of the high thrills you usually see in these sci-fi films for a more smart and intelligent approach to the genre. It deals a lot with themes and messages that are directed towards the viewer to get them thinking about the reality / problems with what is happening in relation to the real world. This film did an absolutely amazing job at creating what is really a character driven story, the film progresses as the characters change and interact with each other. It is just mesmerising to see the human characters interacting with the AI as there are many really intelligent moments that get you extremely invested in the story. If even one of the three main characters was poorly written or acted it would have ruined the whole movie because the entire thing is based upon you really liking, disliking or simply understanding the characters and their actions. So in saying that this movie was amazingly written, the characters were fully realised and the plot had enough engaging moments to keep you entertained the entire time. The film was also amazingly shot, the special effects and great camera work add to the unique experience.
The performances by all of Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, and Alicia Vikander just completely elevated the film and the characters. You completely forgot that they were actors as they all did fantastic jobs at transforming into their character, they have to be among some of the best performances of 2015 so far. The film gave off a feel of some old, early 70's sci-fi films, one that came to mind was 2001: A Space Odyssey from 1968. It had that classic feel sci-fi but with a very smart plot and characters, and also a light touch of some horror elements. Where i thought the film could have been a little better is in the beginning i thought it was a little too vague as to what was going on, you do get some back-story on why these characters are here and what for but i was a tiny bit confused early on. Also the ending sequence i thought really worked for the characters, you get to see how events throughout the film had affected them and the results of these affects but for the plot it didn't really feel like the rest of the film, it moved at a much quicker pace compared to the overall slow pace of the film. And they may have been going for a more high risk and eventful finale but it could have been executed a little better from a directing standpoint. In the end despite a few very minor nitpicks this film is one of the smartest sci-fi films in existence and if you are a fan of the genre you must check this out, with great characters and great story you are in for one hell of a ride. - 9.1