If you like smart science fiction, you can’t ignore Alex Garland’s “Ex Machina.” With the perfectly stylized robot thriller, Garland has delivered one of the best science fiction films of the past ten years – “Ex Machina” received 4.5 out of 5 possible stars in the FILMSTARTS review. Soon after, the filmmaker even outdid himself and created a five-star masterpiece with his Netflix sci-fi drama “Annihilation.”
You can now easily watch “Ex Machina” with your Amazon Prime Video streaming subscription at no extra cost. We will tell you why it is worth it in this article.
However, those expecting epic blockbuster action from ‘Ex Machina’ should be warned: the film is designed as a clever sci-fi chamber piece, but that doesn’t mean the acting values aren’t on point. Quite the opposite! There was even an Oscar for visual effects in 2016. Alex Garlands speaks for the fact that not only the look is right, but also the story Oscar nomination for his original screenplay for ‘Ex Machina’.
Oscar Isaac stars in ‘Ex Machina’
And that’s what it’s all about: talented Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) wins the top prize in the corporate lottery – namely a visit to reclusive company founder Nathan (Oscar Isaac), a true technological genius. In his high-text bungalow in the middle of the wilderness, Nathan introduces Caleb to his latest development: robot Ava (Alicia Vikander). Caleb must test whether Ava has her own consciousness. At first Caleb is enthusiastic, but dangerous tensions soon arise between him, Nathan and Ava…
With minimal resources, Alex Garland tells an extremely exciting story in which all three protagonists convince and “Star Wars” shine Oscar Isaac performs one of the most disturbingly sexy dances in movie history.
And as the gripping psychological duel between the protagonists continues to escalate, the really big questions of our increasingly technological age are discussed: Can a machine be a human? What makes people human? Where are the limits of science and power?
A science fiction film with brains that fans of clever stories should definitely not miss. The conclusion of our criticism is: “Book author With the chamber play “Ex Machina”, Alex Garland presents the best science fiction directorial debut since Duncan Jones’ “Moon”. – perfectly designed, excitingly told and full of fascinating ideas!”
New Alex Garland film coming to cinemas soon
With his previous films, Alex Garland has established himself as one of the most exciting directors of our time. His most recent directorial work to date, the psychological horror ‘Men – What are you looking for, will find you’ from 2022, is also worth seeing (click here for the review of ‘Men’). There is no science fiction this time, but there is an unforgettable, disturbing finale. And soon there will be a completely new offering from Garland in cinemas:
“Starts on April 18, 2024Civil war“ starring Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura and Nick Offerman in cinemas. And the film title says it all: in the dystopian action drama, the US of the near future is deeply divided. Some states want to secede, new alliances emerge and civil war is inevitable. Amid this chaos, a team of journalists tries to keep an eye on things. Here is the trailer for “Civil War”: