Ex Machina

Ex Machina

Cineworld Bolton: 7th February 2015 

I was intrigued by this film from early trailers, but did not know what to expect.  Was it going to be a silly love story, a sci-fi mishmash or film of claustrophobic, high tension and mistrust  throughout. Luckily for me it was the latter

Caleb (Domhall Gleeson), a coder for a large telecommunication/network company wins a corporate prize to spend a week with reclusive billionaire CEO Nathan (Oscar Isaac).  Little does he know, that Nathan has a hidden agenda for the retreat, he requires Caleb to partake in an experiment in finding out if the Artificial Intelligence created has true self awareness through the Turing Test.  The AI in question in house the the robotic form of a beautiful girl, Ava (Alicia Vikander)

What plays out for the next 100 mins is a story of tense, gripping and second guessing moments. Who is telling the truth? Who is playing who? What are the real motives?

It is generally just the three characters in the film and it all revolves around their interactions.  With the remote location and confined spaces the film really does feel as though you are trapped in this security heavy cabin in the woods with them.  The soundtrack is unnerving throughout as well, making the experience a little uncomfortable.

Ex Machina is a great British Sci-Fi film, not for everyone, but definitely worth a watch