Today’s quick review: Automata. Three decades in the future, solar flares have ravaged the Earth, wiping out most of humanity and forcing the survivors to rely on robots for labor. Jacq Vaucan (Antonio Banderas) works as an insurance agent for ROC, the manufacturer of the world’s robots. When a robot is caught modifying itself in violation of its core programming, Jacq is sent to investigate the incident and determine who is behind the alterations.
Automata is a science fiction movie that deals with the question of consciousness. Automata has a decent script, a dramatic tone, and good presentation. The movie uses its budget wisely, establishing a plausible, consistent look for the technology of an impoverished future. Automata does struggle to build up tension or emotional impact. The characters are detached by design, and the world they live in is almost without hope.
Automata opts for androids that are more machine than man: quiet, inscrutable, and all but ignored by the humans around them. This choice drives home the gap between the two types of consciousness, but it makes the robots difficult to assess or connect with. Like the robots themselves, the plot has a passive feel to it. The progression works well enough, but the movie has to work hard to set up any sort of conflict Jacq can play a role in.
Beyond its plot and its take on artificial intelligence, Automata is good but not inspired. The detached characters and odd plot structure hurt the movie’s dramatic potential. The writing toys with interesting ideas but has nothing profound to say about them. Antonio Banderas does a fine job as Jacq, but he drops his usual charm for the sake of drama. In such a bleak setting, that charm is missed.
Watch Automata if you are a science fiction fan looking for a variation on familiar themes. Although not a groundbreaking film, Automata is a tidy package that scratches the itch for thoughtful sci-fi. Skip it if you aren’t a science fiction fan; it has little in the way of action, and its drama is mediocre. For a more action-oriented take on a similar premise, check out I, Robot. For a noir-influenced sci-fi movie with similar themes, check out Blade Runner.
6.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for a decent script, an odd plot, and mixed production quality.