Ex Machina

Novelist-turned-screenwriter Alex Garland's (The Beach) directing debut is an intense sci-fi thriller that kicks off with geeky, twentysomething computer programmer Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) winning a company contest that entitles him to spend a week at a remote Alaska estate belonging to his boss, the brilliant-but-elusive billionaire Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). Arriving at the mountain retreat by helicopter, Caleb makes his way into Bateman's high-tech, glass-and-steel compound, much of which is subterranean. Caleb is astounded by the Jackson Pollock paintings (and other fine art) and even more awestruck when he learns the purpose of his visit. Nathan is to take part in the Turing Test—named for British artificial intelligence guru Alan Turing—squaring off against a sentient robot named Ava (Alicia Vikander). As Caleb interacts with Ava, politely posing questions and evaluating her responses, their sessions grow more and more ominous, with the flirtatious, free-thinking android adapting to this stranger, and slyly and seductively establishing the roots of a friendship. Revealing more would ruin the surprises and dilute the suspense of this chilling exploration of the human psyche filmed in a style that is eerily reminiscent of the work of master director Stanley Kubrick. Delivering high-octane thrills and substantial food for thought, this is highly recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a cast and crew Q&A at SXSW (61 min.), the five-part “making-of” featurette “Through the Looking Glass” (40 min.), and behind-the-scenes vignettes (29 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a fine sci-fi thriller.] (S. Granger)