(TIE) 5. Ex Machina – Aaron Sarnecky
I don’t talk about it much but I like good science fiction quite a bit (though I enjoy most entertainment that’s thought provoking, not just sci-fi). So it should come as no surprise to those who have seen Ex Machina that I think the movie is one of the best of this past year. I’d say it’s somewhat reminiscent of Blade Runner, which is one of my all-time favorite films. But that being said, Ex Machina maintains its own identity.
Unlike most other sci-fi movies these days, Ex Machina does not fall under the action/adventure category. I would classify it as a thriller, though you could also call it a drama due to its slow burn. The pacing is methodical and intended to flesh out the characters, which are the focus more than anything else. Chief among them is Ava the android (Alicia Vikander). It’s the mystery surrounding her that makes the movie. She’s intimidatingly sexy and intelligent, but also sympathetic, which complicates her relationship with Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) and Nathan (Oscar Isaac) as they conduct a modified Turing test. Oscar Isaac shines as the alcoholic genius while Caleb’s inquisitive nature keeps the film moving (both just starred in the new Star Wars, actually). And while a lot of the plot was in the trailer and commercials, it’s the execution that elevates the movie to greatness. And in this age of too many shallow cash grabs, that greatness is something to admire.
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