Artificial Intelligence is one of those film topics that I love the idea of, but more often than not, hate the execution.  I’ll admit, I’m probably just very picky, but I’ve enjoyed very few films that have come out about A.I. since I first saw my favorite, Blade Runner. (And even then, it has to be the director’s cut edition.)

I am very pleased that Ex Machina finally gave me something new to love about robot films.  Caleb (Dohmnall Gleeson), a coder for the world’s most popular search engine, wins a company-wide contest to hang out for a week with CEO Nathan (Oscar Isaac) at his private retreat. He soon learns his true purpose at Nathan’s retreat is to test the world’s first true Artificial Intelligent lifeforms, the female robot Ava (Alicia Vikander). As Caleb grow’s increasingly attracted to Ava, he also becomes weary of Nathan, who Ava claims cannot be trusted. This cast is a terrific example of how to create a harmonious ensemble with very few characters. Gleeson seems to be channeling all of the best parts of Charlie Bucket and a young Bill Gates in his subduedly-geeky-nice-guy Caleb. On the other end of the genius specter, Oscar Isaac is brilliant as Nathan who was both extremely intimidating while simultaneously being a womanizing party-animal. Alicia Vikander plays her role very adorably, while still being somewhat unsettling.

It was surprising to learn that this was Alex Garland’s directorial debut as he has previously written many other films I love including 28 Days Later and Sunshine. Perhaps it was his expertise as a science fiction writer that gave the film’s direction the shot in the arm this tired genre so desperately needs. While most films of this genre give us grand worlds full of fast paced action, Ex Machina contrasts by its sheer quietness, isolation, and intensity. The overall feel of this film is very Zen, as if the director wanted us to clear our heads and meditate on the true message he is trying to say. The overarching theme of most A.I. films is to hold a mirror up to ourselves and ask us “What makes us human?” What better way to perceive a reflection than a clear, focused medium? I will not say that Ex Machina is the next Bladerunner, but rather the next logical step in the evolution of the genre.