“Ex Machina” is a slow-burning, darkly existential tale of advanced development in artificial intelligence starring Domhnall Gleeson as Caleb, a young computer programmer selected to participate in a ground-breaking A.I. study.
Journeying to the secluded northern estate of billionaire tech visionary Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac), Caleb is challenged to provide an in-depth study of Bateman’s most advanced creation to date: a humanoid female robot named Ava (Alicia Vikander). Quickly developing an emotional affinity for the alluring Ava, Caleb finds himself in crisis when she discloses that Nathan’s intentions for them both are dubious and that he is not to be trusted.
Written and directed by Alex Garland (“Never Let Me Go”, “Annihilation”), “Ex Machina” is an utterly captivating creation, eschewing excessiveness for a more nuanced and alluring tale of creationism and ascendancy. Aided immeasurably by sleek and visceral cinematography courtesy of Rob Hardy, it’s thoroughly absorbing thinking man’s escapism.
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