Ex Machina (2015)
★★★ — Ex Machina (2015)
Ex Machina marked the directorial debut of Alex Garland, who had already made a significant name for himself in British genre cinema as the writer behind 28 Days Later (2002) and Sunshine (2007), both directed by Danny Boyle. Working with the relatively modest backing of Film4 and DNA Films on a budget of around $15 million, Garland shot the film largely on location at Juvet Landscape Hotel in Norway, a real architectural property whose stark glass-and-steel aesthetic required minimal dressing. The film arrived at a cultural moment when anxieties around Silicon Valley power, artificial intelligence, and surveillance capitalism were beginning to sharpen in mainstream conversation. Alicia Vikander's performance as the android Ava became a genuine breakthrough, earning her widespread industry attention shortly before her Oscar win for The Danish Girl the same year.
Ex Machina is a sleek, chilling sci-fi thriller that lingers in your mind long after it ends, less about spectacle and more about silence, power, and what it means to be conscious. The atmosphere is flawless: isolated glass-and-concrete bunker, moody lighting, that haunting score. Every frame feels deliberate, claustrophobic, like you’re being watched just as much as the characters are. Domhnall Gleeson perfectly captures Caleb’s nervous intelligence and growing unease, while Oscar Isaac is nothing short of electrifying as Nathan, the genius tech billionaire with a god complex, bad drinking habits, and terrifying dance moves. Their dynamic crackles with tension, even when they’re just talking about ethics over whiskey. This just further solidifies my thought that Oscar Isaac is the finest actor if this generation. That said, the pace drags in places. The middle section loops into repetitive conversations and long silences that feel more like stalling than suspense. Some ideas are explored deeply; others are hinted at and dropped. It’s smart and stylish, but occasionally too pleased with its own intellect. There are other films that do AI better (looking at you Alien Earth) Brilliant performances, stunning design, and a story that gets under your skin. Just needed a bit tighter focus. A modern sci-fi gem, even with its flaws.
Rating: ★★★ | Year: 2015 | Watched: 2025-09-18
Where to watch (UK)
Rent: Apple TV Store · Rakuten TV · Amazon Video · Sky Store
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