Let me pitch you a rather bizarre idea: have a sci-fi film focusing on three actors whilst trying to get your audience to question their ideas on how they interact with not only people, but the world around them. That's the kind of story Ex Machina tries to deliver, and indeed it does. While the movie doesn't always resonate in the way you might want it to, or even expect, there's no doubt that the world it places you in is invigorating and exciting.
The story tells us of a professional search engine programmer Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) wins a company prize to go work with the CEO of his corporation, Nathan (Oscar Isaac), to work on something truly revolutionary: the development of artificial intelligence. Caleb is being used in the 'Turing Test' portion of the development, which is essentially assessing whether or not a computer brain has the capability to think outside of it's programming, to be able to change its functions based on a new situation given to it. The test subject is named Ava (Alicia Vikander), an inquisitive AI who yearns to learn of the world outside of her test chamber. Caleb soon grows fond of Ava, while being uncomfortable with Nathan's strange quirks and alcoholic habits. Caleb's world gets turned upside down when he begins to grow affectionate towards Ava, and finds himself dreaming of her as if she was a real girl. As their work facility begins to malfunction and Nathan becomes more of an intense personality, Caleb begins to devise what his own existence means. It's an AI think-tank film for the next generation, and it definitely paint a picture for the audience.
Before I get to the good stuff (which there is a lot of in this movie), I want to talk about the things that were kind of a let-down by the end of the film. Firstly, I find the plot's efforts to make you second-guess yourself as the characters are a bit forced. Not once while watching the movie did I ever feel like I didn't know who was on protagonist Caleb's side. Sure, Nathan was an oddball drunk, but I never got the impression, as Caleb did, that he was against Caleb's interest whilst staying in the facility. The fact that this movie tries so hard to trip you up kind of took me out of the experience, which was a shame because the story is actually very good.
The other thing I found disappointing, but not a knock on the film, was the presence of Ava. Seeing here centrefold in practically every photo and poster gave me the impression that she would break out to be the true star, rather than the Macguffin of the story. Not only that, but actress Alicia Vikander was limited in this role, as we only really communicate and experience who Ava is in the 'Turing Test' sessions that Caleb leads. Now, let me clarify that this is in no way a knock on Vikander's actual acting - she did a really good job with what she was given. It's only that, at the end of the day, the true fleshing out of the character was left to discussion with Caleb and Nathan, with a dash of excellent cinematography. Vikander was definitely more of a cog in the motor rather than the engine.
But now, let's discuss the good. Going into this film, my only true exposure to Domhnall Gleeson was with his portrayal of Bill Weasley in both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows parts, as well as his brief appearances in Unbroken. While he did both of those roles well, he was only briefly present. I was also intrigued to watch this movie because I knew both him and Oscar Isaac were going to star in the new Star Wars movie coming out soon, so that definitely made me want to see what these guys could do. And oh my God, does Domhnall Gleeson absolutely nail this role? You bet he does! Playing the socially awkward Caleb, both smart and shy, you immediately take his side against the upfront and a bit antagonistic Caleb. Gleeson is the real reason the atmosphere of unease and distrust exists at all, and he spreads it wherever he pleases amazingly. His conversations with Ava is where we find out how much of a sad and lonely guy he is, and it's ultimately believable to understand how easily he is ultimately manipulated.
While Domhnall is the star, Isaac more than gets his fill. This charismatic, narcissistic, drunk makes even the audience feel uncomfortable to be in the same room as him. He carries himself as if he's a god who has created a new form of life, and you immediately get the wrong feeling from interacting with him. He definitely does try to be a nice guy, his dialogue suggests as much; however, he doesn't always deliver on that, and Isaac plays with this beautifully. Props to both stars, and I can't wait to see more of them in the future.
The production value itself is great, too. Clearly set in the future but remaining believably achievable, the facility itself is quite a marvel. The different rooms reflect the tone of the scenes that you're about to see, and there's quite a few interesting conversations on the moral standpoints of life, freedom, creation, death, and more. To go into full detail would be robbing you of the fantastic dialogue that is delivered, where Oscar Isaac particularly shines. The social commentary reflects all that you've heard from the likes of Bill Gates and Stephen Hawking. The special effects for Ava are actually quite spectacular as well, and most of all, believable. You might not be able to understand the intricacy or specifications of her design, but you don't begin to question it.
However, there is one more thing that brings this movie down. While explained in the film itself, which, again, I won't rob you of the experience, Ava eventually escapes and makes her way into the human world, ready to experience life as best she can. She kills her creator who, in all honesty, was a bit of an ass to her, but she also leaves behind Caleb. I didn't buy that; Caleb didn't knowingly trap her, keep her there, he even went so far as to help her escape. Then, she just up and leaves him. Not only that, but she takes the only helicopter trip out of the area back to civilization. And the helicopter pilot didn't question that? He didn't think to himself, "Hmm...I haven't brought you here, I don't know who you are, you aren't the intended passenger...nope, you're obviously trouble. I'm not going to let you on". There wasn't even a scene of her overpowering the pilot, which I would've bought more. The ending, I felt, just tried to be too anti-AI in its overall message, and in doing so lost some of the momentum it had.
Now, with all that being said, I still believe Ex Machina is not a movie to miss. You've got some great performances to watch, a stellar story to hear, and a unique commentary on what the capability of humans and our own natures are, let alone that of the machines. The movie is quiet and intense, so those looking for another Robocop should look elsewhere; however, you'll be missing out one of the most unique movies I've seen in a long time.
Rating: 8.5/10
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