Ex Machina *** (2015, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander) – Movie Review

Alex (28 Days Later) Garland’s directorial debut Ex Machina is smart, fascinating and refreshingly different, but it’s not a complete success.

Domhnall Gleeson stars as Caleb, a young computer programmer who is selected by creepy Nathan (Oscar Isaac) to participate in his breakthrough experiment in artificial intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a breath-taking female A.I. called Ava.

The problems with Ex Machina are Alex Garland’s over-talky, under-realised screenplay and the inexperience of his first-time direction, plus the slight miscasting of two really good actors, who do well enough but aren’t seen at their best here. Look how brilliant Isaac is in Inside Llewyn Davis, The Two Faces of January and A Most Violent Year. There is none of that brilliance here, except maybe the odd flash or two of it. The part just doesn’t seem to be quite right for him.

Like his dad Brendan, the quirky and appealing Gleeson seems better suited to be a star character actor rather than a conventional leading man. Again, the part of Caleb just doesn’t seem quite right for him. Alicia Vikander, who plays Vera Britain in Testament of Youth, enjoys a very different role here as Ava, and she’s mighty impressive.

Its small scale, one setting circumstance leads it to feel a too-static, little film, where not truly much happens, so it’s never exactly the blockbuster movie you’re hoping for. With a final re-write, different cast and director, this could be a little masterpiece.

As it is it’s in the ‘very interesting try’ category, well worth checking out, especially for sci-fi geeks, for whom it’s certainly essential viewing. It’s a slick, sleek production with excellent, sparingly used effects, lovely set designs and cinematography and a small burst of intense action at the finale.

By the way, I’d love an AI mate and the house in this movie! And it’s that kind of thinking that makes this movie smart and fascinating. Even if you think it’s not a complete success, I think you’ll find it’s still admirable.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Movie Review

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Writer-director Alex Garland.