MOVIE REVIEW: EX MACHINA




4/5

Caleb is a young programmer who works for an Internet Giant. To his astonishment he wins a competition to meet his boss, a reclusive Nathan, a legend, and spend a week with him, taking part in his top secret experiment. The experiment involves proving that Ava, an android and Nathan's invention, possesses artificial intelligence. What is the true nature of this test? With everyone having something to hide its all about mind games. But when the human feelings are on the way, scientific minds crumble....

EX MACHINA is a clever multi layered thriller that intrigues, delivers and does not disappoint. It's simple structure is misleading, allowing you to see the events through the eyes of Caleb. He is just your typical boy next door, underdog, no-girlfriend geek. But is he a good guy here?

Over the years (post Mary Shelly, the Frankenstein creator) there's been many movies and books about playing God, but never before they hit so close to home. We are living in a changing world, allowing devices making choices for us, making us dependant on them. And EX MACHINA offers the most dangerous dependence of all - the feelings. The falling in love.

EX MACHINA would make a great theatrical play. The focused, realistic and edge of the seat dialogue prevails above the visuals. But the cinematography department is also outstanding: the clever photographic choice mixes claustrophobic corridors with picturesque mountains and fiords. All through the film the themes of freedom and captivity go head to head. One of the movies questions is: what wouldn't you do to be free? And - what is the definition of freedom? Is ability to make choices is sort of a trap in itself, because it leaves you open and vulnerable?

The film also delivers on twists. If you like the good mystery you will like EX MACHINA. If you like a thinking Arthouse move with good acting, you will like EX MACHINA. My only criticism is the pacing and the length. If the film run just under 90 minutes,  it would, in my opinion, make it much more intense and compelling viewing.


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