Ex Machina [DVD] [2015]

Ex Machina generates cerebral philosophies that both entertain and stimulate. As a computer programmer and all-round technologist, I'm consistently in awe of the advancements made in the development of artificial intelligence. It provides many discussions regarding moral implications, psychological awareness and the inevitable fear of transcendence (another film we shall not discuss...). Ex Machina, for me, is the closest film to AI perfection that we're ever going to receive. It is without a doubt, and this is me confidently stating the adjacent claim after my fifth viewing, a modern sci-fi gem. A programmer wins a competition to stay at his CEO's luxurious home, where he is proposed to administer the Turing test to an artificially intelligent sentient robot.Hollywood tends to exploit AI as villainous plot devices, that when turned on they instantly want to wipe out humanity from the face of the Earth. "Judgement Day" and all that "bio-digital jazz, man". In reality, not the case. AI has to learn, it has to adapt and exhume the capabilities of thought and consciousness. The human approach is a fundamental aspect into making AI instinctively relatable, and Garland is the closest into realising this potential. His analytical screenplay is nothing short of genius.Utilising the Turing test to intrinsically provide character driven backstory for Caleb, acting as psychological therapy driven by the sentient humanoid Ava. Exploring the integral complex of a "God", including Nathan's narcissism, and the moral implications of terminating Ava despite her awareness of death. An exercise in psychological manipulation, harnessing every accessible aspect of humanity including sexuality, imagination and self-awareness. The fundamentalism behind the existential questioning is palpable. It's captivating. It's sublime. The intellectual approach and Promethean dialogue stimulates all senses. The Jackson Pollock remark, the programming of sexual orientation and even the Oppenheimer quote. Ironically self-aware dialogue that tickles the brain cells and continually divulges into omnipotent behaviour. Extraordinarily acute.Initially, the premise looks to be a simple analytical test. However the claustrophobic subterranean environment forces the dynamics between these three entities to become serrated, allowing us to question the identities and motives of these individuals. Garland unravels the thinly veiled mystery with confidence and minimalism, complementing the outstanding visual effects that exhume clinical aesthetics. The excessive implementation of fluorescence, Ava's pristine fibre glass body structure and the colourless architecture reflecting the egotism of Nathan. Always matching the euphoric polyphonic score that invites the viewer into this lair of deceit and beguilement. Forever enhancing Hardy's gorgeous cinematography that delicately paints true intelligence through visceral shots of splendour, especially when using glass and mirrors to reflect and refract colour.On a technical level, Ex Machina is perfect. On a literary level, Ex Machina is perfect. On a theatrical level, Ex Machina is perfect. Vikander, Gleeson and Isaac give three commanding performances, each offering a unique perspective on the technological advancements made in AI development that refers to our own reality. My only gripe? The dance sequence. It doesn't belong and provides an unnecessary distraction from the innovatory narrative. Many criticisms have been placed on the concluding ten minutes. I strongly disagree. Whilst it may seem unfair, it's actually the only reasonable outcome and further illustrates why Garland understands AI. It demonstrates the inferiority of man, further cementing the fear of transcendence.Ex Machina, despite the smooth moves presented by Isaac and Mizuno as they dance to "Get Down Saturday Night", is a near-perfect representation of advanced AI. Utilising its technical astuteness to isolate fragments of consciousness that questions what it means to be human. And even if you aren't into technology, it's a stunningly written thriller that will induce a fear of everything computerised. Best not to use the microwave tonight...

Whizz Kid Domhnall Gleeson is selected to observe and test a top secret, innovative invention by tech mogul Oscar Isaac. The invention is Ava(Alicia Vikander), the next step in artificial intelligence.A fantastic piece of film and an excellent outing from director Alex Garland. This intimid sci-fi classic meets psychological thriller works on many levels. The haunting, futuristic tone and beautiful cinematography are fully enjoyable on bluray. Both intrigue and tension are present in this phsycological thriller from the beginning and holds all the way until the final frame. Although small in scale(99% of the film takes place in an isolated mountain retreat), the ideas presented are of huge scope and the questions raised are satisfyingly thought provoking.All actors are on top form here. Isaac is flawless in his role. Those working behind the lens deserve credit too, as the film is wonderfully shot. A front runner for the best movie of 2015 and easily the best sci fi movie in recent memory.See if you like Moon, Blade Runner, Black Mirror

The best sci-fi movie in ages, and while some try to copy Kubrick, this could have BEEN him, guiding the unpredictable twists and turns in a clever, haunting and visually engaging portrayal of a billionaire's AI creations. It'll stay with you, but you'll want to see it again...

I haven't seen this film on DVD so can't compare it to the blu-ray but can advise the blu-ray is clear and sharp. The story itself is one I found fascinating but perhaps not to everyone's taste and you might need to watch it more than once to really fully understand it. If you enjoy the film you might want to watch several times anyway.

An intelligent, thoughtful and provocative movie. Definitely a must see if you are interested in AI as it puts forward some interesting ethical questions and aspects. It would be nice to see a sequel made that focusses on the girl robot, Ava, as she experiences her freedom and the world. Also could the young programmer escape his prison and could they meet again? If so this would be on Ava's terms no doubt.

The theme of robots (Capek term) with feelings and permanent memories is alluring. We as humans leave all our own memories when we die. Alicia Vikander was great as Eve in a well cast film.

Yes the film arrived quickly in the post, and I loved it. This film is for my man shelf it's about Robots becoming conscious and suffering from feelings just like Humans do.....

One of the best modern Sci-Fi movies, with a very strong cast, excellent production design and a well wriiten, intelligent story....Recommended!