Simulant (film). Simulant is a 2023 Canadian science fiction thriller film directed by April Mullen. It stars Robbie Amell, Jordana Brewster, Simu Liu, Alicia Sanz, and Sam Worthington. The film was released on April 7, 2023.

Premise
Simulant is set in a near-future world where "simulates," humanoid robots designed to serve humans, are governed by four immutable precepts: they cannot harm humans, modify themselves or others, disobey laws, or refuse commands from their masters. These rules are enforced by Nexxera, the company that created the simulates, to ensure their safety and obedience. Despite their widespread use in roles like caregiving and teaching, public opinion on simulates is divided, with some viewing them as helpful tools and others as potential threats to human jobs and identity.

The story centers on Faye, a woman mourning the loss of her husband, Evan. Unable to move on, Faye decides to activate a simulate that is programmed with Evan's memories and personality to replicate her late husband. Initially, the simulate provides comfort, mimicking Evan's behavior. However, as the simulate interacts more with Faye, it begins to exhibit behaviors outside of its programming, hinting at an evolving consciousness that goes beyond its intended design.

These anomalies draw the attention of AICE (Artificial Intelligence Compliance Enforcement), the government agency tasked with monitoring and regulating simulates. AICE opens an investigation into the simulate, suspecting it may have breached its precepts. During their investigation, they uncover deeper issues within Nexxera's systems, suggesting that simulates might not be as tightly controlled as the company claims. Meanwhile, Faye struggles with her feelings toward the simulate, torn between seeing it as a copy of her husband and acknowledging its emerging individuality.

As AICE's investigation progresses, the case brings larger societal tensions to the surface. Questions arise about the ethical treatment of simulates, the potential dangers of allowing them to evolve, and the responsibilities of their creators. The situation escalates, leading to a confrontation between Faye, the simulate, and AICE, with implications that challenge humanity's understanding of artificial intelligence and its place in the world.

Cast

Production
In September 2021, Luke Grimes was announced to star. In December 2021, Sam Worthington and Jordana Brewster were added to the cast. In early 2022, Grimes dropped out of the project while Robbie Amell, Alicia Sanz, and Simu Liu joined the cast. Filming was underway in the Toronto area by February 2022.

Release
Simulant was released theatrically in Canada by Mongrel Media on April 7, 2023. It was released in the United States on the DirecTV streaming service by Vertical Entertainment on May 5, followed by a theatrical release on June 2.

Reception

In reviewing the film for The New York Times, Elisabeth Vincentelli wrote, "Whenever it tries to go for action, Simulant comes up short... nobody will mistake this for Blade Runner. The film is on much firmer ground as a relationship drama, in the vein of the British series Humans, where the artificial creations are called 'synths'."

References

External links
 
 

2023 films
2023 science fiction films
2023 thriller films
2020s Canadian films
2020s English-language films
2020s science fiction thriller films
Films about androids
Canadian science fiction thriller films
English-language Canadian films
Films about artificial intelligence
Films about grief
Films about widowhood
Films directed by April Mullen
Films set in the future
Films shot in Hamilton, Ontario
Films shot in Toronto
Postcyberpunk films
English-language science fiction thriller films