A Sci-Fi Masterpiece Reaches New Audiences
Netflix viewers can now enjoy a science fiction film that has been hailed as one of the best of its decade. Released in 2014, Ex Machina marked the directorial debut of Alex Garland, a writer and filmmaker known for his work on several acclaimed projects. Garland first gained recognition with his 1996 novel The Beach, which was later adapted into a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. He also contributed to the screenplays of Danny Boyle’s films 28 Days Later and its sequel 28 Years Later, as well as Never Let Me Go and Dredd.
The film stars Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, and Oscar Isaac, and follows a programmer who is invited by his CEO to administer the Turing test to an intelligent female humanoid robot. With a budget of $15 million (£11.3 million) and a worldwide gross of $36.8 million (£27 million), Ex Machina received widespread critical acclaim. It was nominated for five Baftas, two Oscars, and a Golden Globe award, solidifying its place as a standout entry in the sci-fi genre.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Praise
Critics and audiences alike have praised Ex Machina for its thought-provoking themes and gripping narrative. Digital Spy described it as “as thoughtful as it is thrilling,” highlighting its sharp character drama and thrilling sci-fi horror elements. Sky Cinema noted that the film’s themes would “gnaw at your own humanity long after the shocking finale has bowed.” The Associated Press called it a “unique and deeply unsettling psychological thriller that’s both necessary and unforgettable.”
Viewers have also expressed their admiration for the film, with many calling it “arresting,” “compelling,” and a “must see.” This week, Ex Machina was added to Netflix, giving new and returning audiences the opportunity to experience the film.
A Visionary Perspective on AI
Speaking to The Dissolve at the time of the film’s release, Garland shared his thoughts on why he believed Ex Machina was ultimately hopeful, despite its dark portrayal of artificial intelligence. “Well, the horror is with people,” he said. “Really, the hope is that AIs might be more reasonable than we are, basically.”
Garland went on to explain that the fear people have about AI stems from the belief that they will be unreasonable and destructive. However, he argued that AIs could be seen as a continuation of human evolution, much like children. “We would hope that their lives would be at least as good as ours, and hopefully better,” he said.
He also reflected on the future of humanity, stating that while humans may not survive on Earth indefinitely, AIs could carry on. “AIs might be all of us that survive,” he said. “They might go to places we can’t go to.”
No Sequel in Sight
When asked about the possibility of a sequel, Garland was quick to dismiss the idea. “Nah, f*** that. I’m not interested,” he said. “When you’ve worked on something for two years, what you really want to do is start something new, not do it again.”
Since Ex Machina, Garland has continued to work on other projects, including directing films such as Annihilation, Men, and Civil War. His latest works have further cemented his reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
Ex Machina is currently streaming on Netflix, offering fans a chance to revisit this groundbreaking film or experience it for the first time.
