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Since gaining recognition in 2002 for his screenplay of 28 Days Later, Alex Garland has established himself as a prominent figure in genre filmmaking. His storytelling prowess was further highlighted through acclaimed works such as Never Let Me Go and Dredd, and his transition to directing has garnered both attention and praise. Despite a mixed response to his more recent film, Men, Garland has consistently challenged audiences throughout the last decade, delivering powerful cinematic experiences with films like the underappreciated Annihilation and the provocative Civil War, regardless of the political discussions they engender. Nevertheless, it is his directorial debut, Ex Machina, released ten years ago, that remains his standout achievement.
Although Garland has indicated a desire to shift his focus from directing to screenwriting, he recently collaborated with Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza on a new project, Warfare. This film, inspired by a real military mission, showcases Garland’s ability to create tense and emotionally resonant narratives. Despite this promising new work, Ex Machina continues to overshadow his recent endeavors, cementing its status as a cornerstone of British cinema from the 2010s.
What Is Alex Garland’s ‘Ex Machina’ About?
In Ex Machina, released in 2015, the narrative follows Caleb Smith (played by Domhnall Gleeson), a software programmer who wins a contest to spend a week with his enigmatic boss, Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). Upon arriving at Nathan’s isolated retreat, Caleb quickly discovers that the purpose of his visit is more complex than it initially seemed.
Nathan has designed a humanoid robot named Ava (Alicia Vikander), equipped with advanced artificial intelligence. While Ava has recently passed the Turing Test, Nathan seeks Caleb’s assistance in a deeper evaluation to determine if she possesses true consciousness. He intriguingly aims to gauge whether Caleb can forge a connection with Ava, despite her artificial nature.
As their interactions unfold, Caleb begins to grasp Ava’s feelings of entrapment due to Nathan’s controlling nature, who denies her autonomy and the chance to experience joy. Concurrently, Caleb uncovers Nathan’s increasingly narcissistic behaviors, leading him to suspect that Nathan plans to erase Ava’s consciousness after completing their evaluations.
What appears on the surface to be another run-of-the-mill sci-fi tale about artificial intelligence evolves into a tense psychological thriller, masterfully building an atmosphere of paranoia. As Caleb comes to terms with Nathan’s ominous intentions, the film raises profound questions about consciousness, trust, and the implications of human-like AI.
‘Ex Machina’ Is Alex Garland’s Masterwork
Over the past decade, Ex Machina has aged remarkably well, especially as discussions surrounding artificial intelligence have escalated in various fields. One of the film’s strengths lies in its nuanced exploration of AI, avoiding simplistic moral judgments. The backdrop of the story feels almost familiar, a natural extension of contemporary society rather than a starkly futuristic scenario. Similar to 2013’s Her, the film illustrates AI’s integration into daily life, prompting viewers to consider its complexity rather than viewing it solely as a threat.
An essential aspect of the film’s allure is Garland’s refusal to present clear-cut moral binaries. Although Nathan embodies a malevolent figure, Caleb and Ava showcase significant moral ambiguity. Caleb’s desire to assist Ava in gaining freedom complicates his motivations, as his growing affection for her raises questions about his respect for her autonomy.
In a less adept film, Ava might be portrayed as a purely nefarious entity, yet her actions reflect a desperate need for self-determination in a world that has denied her agency. Vikander’s nuanced performance raises uncertainty about the authenticity of Ava’s emotions, keeping the audience guessing until the end.
Overall, Ex Machina stands out as a seminal work in contemporary science fiction, its relevance intensifying alongside the evolving discourse surrounding artificial intelligence. Garland’s ability to weave familiar themes with moral complexity and an undercurrent of paranoia breathes new life into the narrative, ensuring its continued engagement with audiences. While it is disappointing to see Garland stepping away from the director’s chair for now, his legacy in cinema, particularly through Ex Machina, remains indelible. The film is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV.
Source
movieweb.com