Ex Machina (2014) — Riley Cross Reviews

Rooted

I remember where I was when this hit the shelves. I was working the counter at the local Blockbuster, spending six years earning my employee discount and judging people based on their late fees. The clerks knew absolutely everything about your rental habits—you were that guy trying to snag the last copy of *Transformers* or the girl watching rom-coms after 3 AM. But, looking back at the tech in this film—smartphones that look like bricks from 2010—it feels surprisingly fresh. The vibe feels less like big-budget Hollywood schlock and more like a psychological thriller that saw right into the present moment.

It’s not some explosion-a-minute popcorn flick. It is intense, intellectual isolation. You are essentially watching three people trapped in a glass box in the woods, playing a dangerous game of 20 Questions. I am thinking about the moment when Caleb first interacts with Ava, the AI construct. It is that specific camera shot, staring right into her unblinking eye, and the way she shifts her weight while speaking. It is mesmerizing and impossible to look away from. You will find yourself holding your breath, waiting for the artificial personality to crack under the pressure or for the real personalities to shatter.

This is strictly a solo "Night In" affair. If you try to watch this with a partner or roommate, hide the remote immediately. You are not going to want to talk; you will be too busy realizing how uncomfortable it is to be alone in the dark. It is best for those nights when the outside world is too loud and you just want to question reality and who is monitoring you.

Bottom line: The ultimate "don't talk, just watch" movie.