Starring Domnhall Gleeson (Frank, Anna Karenina), Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis, Star Wars Episode VII), and Alicia Vikander (Seventh Son), Ex Machina tells the story of a talented coder recruited to take place in a “turing test” of sorts. The film utilizes impeccable set design and an air of mystery to create a scene that feels full of possibility, yet growingly claustrophobic as the film moves forward. It begins with the character “Caleb”, played by Domnhall Gleeson being selected as the winner of a company contest that seeks an employee to test a new product being developed by the fictional company “Bluebook”.
The film finds its strength in its dialogue and imagery. With a film that takes place in one house, and mostly even just a handful of rooms in said house, dialogue is key. The characters discussions inform the premise of the film without being on the nose, as well as creating a sense of self wonder. What does it mean to be human? And what does it mean to be a God? The film balances a sincere level of philosophy and entertainment that is hard to come by. Performances by all of the leads are noteworthy, with Oscar Isaacs character “Nathan”, being both brilliant and terrifying in his enigmatic nature. Alicia Vikander as well balances herself directly on the line between human and machine and as a result it feels as though the viewer is being asked to take a turing test themselves.
Ex Machina unravels like a finely woven knot, with each tug of the string getting you closer to unscrambling a mystery that seemed so complex from the start. Characters decisions are logical and practical, and Ex Machina employs writing that is appropriately as smart as the topic being discussed. It is a film whose ability to make you question your own existence is effortless, and the line between man and machine is blurred by beautifully directed scenes, artfully shot compositions and enigmatic storytelling.
Ex Machina: 9/10
►Strong characters
►Bold and challenging storytelling
►Smart in both execution and concept