Ex Machina

As a matter of fact, the premise is pretty simple and builds on the psychology of two characters and one android. It is nice that films like this one get to be filmed these days, but the more of them there is, the more critical I am towards them and here everything stands and falls by the premise, which is not bad, but it is a base for a rather small-scale film. At least the ending made everything pretty clear. (2015-06-05)

Or how alcohol and programming could destroy human kind. The fantastic Alicia Vikander in the role of an innocent robot seduces the viewer who then willingly goes along with her game, gazing lovingly into her artificial eyes to the end. Garland works with an amazingly attractive concept and manages to deliver an exceedingly satisfying experience for both sexes. Gleeson is cast brilliantly as the classic nerdy programmer, but the jaunty Isaac (not Asimov) easily outplays him. A philosophical construction genius, drunk as a skunk, copulating till he’s blind, while still thinking straight. + lots of shots of bare bosoms. An unassuming gem amongst robot movies. Catching music. Man is saved by his good deeds. (2015-05-31)

Clever and sophisticated. Just to its own detriment, not as clever and sophisticated as it seems. Above all, the final fifteen-minute ending gives the impression that they don't know how to go on, so they just make it easier for themselves and incorporate the easiest way out of it in terms of a screenplay. They do not care at all it doesn't fit the previous story line. The Black Mirror anthology often addresses the same themes and asks the same questions, but finds much more interesting, more disturbingly current and not so obvious answers to them. Which does not mean that it is not a nicely intimate, intelligent and, above all, high-quality sci-fi, which is quite rare. Especially in Czech cinemas. PS: And if nothing else, at least the shooting took place at the Norwegian Juvet Landscape Hotel, so it is an impressive example of organic architecture in practice. (2015-04-28)

Ex Machina is a sensitive and engaging depiction of artificial intelligence shrouded in mystery with a pleasant sci-fi feel. The actress playing the female android is great. But the surprising twist and the way it is used dramatically proves that screenwriter and director Alex Garland might not be as clever as his brilliant male heroes. (2015-05-22)

Ex Machina is not a film for everyone. This genre is usually associated with the expectation of a grand spectacle with action elements, whereas this film is an intimate conversation piece, an emotionally charged love triangle, and a clever cat-and-mouse game. Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence is touching, 2001: A Space Odyssey is monumental, I, Robot is action-packed, and Her is melancholic, but Ex Machina is primarily clever. True, the resolution lacks originality and cleverness, but let's face it - if it had those, the film would probably lose its connection with a significant portion of its audience. A film should not be smarter than its viewer, as otherwise, it risks commercial failure. Ex Machina may not be as expensive and epic as American sci-fi films usually are, but for a less affluent European production, it certainly was a big treat. While the sentiment of the acclaimed film Her completely missed the mark for me, I was completely captivated by Ex Machina. It is heading in the right direction, asking exactly the questions that I consider important, and it works on an emotional level as well. Playing god is not worth it, and Ex Machina strongly warns that artificial intelligence is not just a challenge with enormous possibilities, but also (and perhaps especially) an ethical problem and a great risk. Overall impression: 95%. (2015-10-07)