by Jon Partridge
Science fiction is an oft explored genre but the real classics, Star Wars, Blade Runner, Alien and the like don’t come along all too often. Several months ago I was treated to a screening of Ex Machina at SXSW and felt the film was something of an instant classic. Smart in concept and execution I eagerly anticipated the Blu-ray release for further insights into this wonderful slice of sci-fi.
In the not too distant future, we meet Caleb working as a programmer for BlueBook, the world’s dominant search engine. He finds he has won a competition to visit the research lab/home of BlueBook founder and technological genius Nathan Bateman. Upon his arrival it is revealed to him his real purpose, he was selected to be the human component in a “Turing test”, a means to identify whether an artificial intelligence is convincing in its attempts to act human. He is introduced to Nathan’s creation, Ava (Alicia Vikander), a synthetic construction resembling a young woman and host to this manufactured consciousness. Their conversations reveal her intellect and empathy and soon Caleb begins to fall for her. In time she reveals information leading Caleb to investigate Nathan’s real motivations and intent for the Ava intelligence.
Artificial intelligence has of course been looked at previously in film but Ex Machina takes far more time to examine the morality of bringing an AI to life. The concept is that Ava is created as a result of using his web search results, algorithms fed into his AI, the idea that people’s online behavior not only revealing “what” people were thinking but “how” too. Ava is a reflection of humanity and when you back someone into a corner they will take desperate measures to protect themselves.
There was some debate about the sexuality of the film, specifically the choice of a female persona for the AI. This decision is at the core of the narrative, particularly highlighted in the sessions between Caleb and Ava. Moments of the film as they challenge each other in their expression of their own humanity. What this all accumulates into is a study of sexuality, manipulation and subservience. Ex Machina is as much about looking at human intelligence as artificial. The dark recesses of the human mind and the depths of ambition driving a fascinating tale blending substance with a remarkable style.
Gleeson (About Time, Calvary, Frank) continues to add to his impressive catalog of work providing the moral center of the film, at least from some perspectives. Vikander gives an incredibly nuanced performance coming across as delicate but with a hint of a subversive nature. Perfect for the ambiguity the plot crafts. The most surprising performance is that from Issac, whose tech genius Nathan is a power lifting, semi-alcoholic unsurprisingly carrying something of a God complex. It is a surprisingly textured role that comes with a lot of dry humor adding a witty yet cynical sparkle to the film.
Alex Garland has already displayed his talents as a writer with efforts such as The Beach, 28 Days Later, Sunshine, Never Let Me Go and Dredd, and now extends that to direction with a confident debut. Together with cinematographer Rob Hardy and designer Jock, Ex Machina is visually stunning in a way complementary to the cerebral matter of the tale. Beautifully shot exteriors, sleek interiors and a sense of minimalistic flair throughout. Apt for the aesthetic and mood of the piece and probably wise for a first time director. One scene, a dance between Nathan with his live-in assistant (Mizuno), shows off his abilities to cut loose with aplomb though. Ex Machina may have the sheen of a blockbuster (in spite of costing less than $20 million) but it has the soul of a unrestrained and inventive independent film.
THE PACKAGE
The visuals of Ex Machina are stunning and thankfully the Blu-ray does them justice. Details are sharp, textures show up well, blacks are deep and no artifacts are visible. A pleasure to watch.
Special features include a number of lengthy featurettes. Through the Looking Glass: Making Ex Machina is nearly forty minutes of interviews with the cast and crew looking at the themes being tackled by the film as well as other technical aspects of filing. Also included is the entire panel from SXSW 2015 with interesting discussions with Alex Garland, Oscar Isaac, Rob Hardy, Geoff Barrow and Ben Salisbury. There is also nearly 30 minutes of Behind the Scenes Vignettes which touch on multiple aspects of the film including design, direction, cast, music and more. While a director’s commentary would have been a welcome addition, the extras are pretty impressive and extensive.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Ex Machina, like all sci-fi greats, weaves together style and substance into something memorable and affecting. Smart performances, a seductive protagonist and surprisingly witty streak . Alex Garland delivers cerebral sci-fi that is beautifully rendered and riveting throughout. A superb film, presented with a host of extras that enhance appreciation. A must buy.
Ex Machina is available on Blu-ray from July 14th.