A "Thinking Movie" That Will Also Still Excite

Rating: 10/10 (28 February 2017)

In the history of the science fiction genre, the concept of artificial intelligence is not a new one. Perhaps popularized (though I'm sure not invented) by Isaac Asimov's works, we have always been fascinated by the idea of our created intelligences turning against us. In many film adaptations of these concepts, however, one or two problems are often in play. Either 1. The movie focuses too much on action instead of concepts (e.g. "I, Robot"), or 2. There is just too much techno-babble to allow a create story to proceed. Fortunately, director/writer Alex Garland knows exactly what he wants in "Ex Machina" and is able to create a wonderful story that is one of the best I've seen in quite some time at the cinema.
For a basic plot summary, "Ex Machina" sees young technology whiz Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) win a promotion where he gets to spend a week-long retreat at the glacial home of company owner Nathan (Oscar Isaac). When Caleb arrives, he finds that he has really been selected to participate in an experiment (called a Turing Test) in which he must determine the extent to which Nathan's new AI creation, Ava (Alicia Vikander), acts/thinks/feels like a human being. As the sessions with Ava progress, however, Caleb discovers that things may not be exactly what they seem, as he gets conflicting reports/emotions from both Ava & Nathan about the nature of what is really happening.
During the early stages of "Ex Machina", Nathan makes a comment to Caleb about how he "doesn't want a lecture...just honest feelings". Viewers come to understand at the end of the experience, however, that this quote also represents the vision behind the film. Much like, say, "Back To The Future" is able to deal with time-travel in a way that isn't overly complicated, this film's caretakers do all they can to not turn the potential heavy subject matter into a complicated thesis or a philosophy class. That isn't to say, of course, that the film is shallow in any way. In fact, it is the exact opposite. By keeping the tech-speak to a minimum, the producers are able to build up some great characters and tense situations that feel very genuine.
I really would like to say more about this movie, but to do so would venture too far into spoiler territory. This is the kind of film that will take viewers on many twist/turns before all is said and done, and those "aha!" moments are what really top off the experience (combined with the intellectually stimulating plots/characters).
Overall, it had been awhile since I had sat in a theater and watched such an intellectually challenging film, but also been able to "sit back and enjoy the ride" at the same time. For anyone who loves a great "thinking movie" but doesn't like it when those types of movies turn into tangled messes or artsy symbolism, "Ex Machina" will rocket up near the top of your favorite films list.