The Creator: a riveting tale of A.I., ethics, and humanity (Mark Kermode film review).
Our man of many movies, Mark Kermode, is here to bring you his film review of the original new science fiction production, The Creator. You can watch Mark’s take above, but what did we think of it here at SFcrowsnest Towers? Read on McDuff.
In “The Creator,” director Gareth Edwards takes us on a cinematic roller-coaster where Hollywood’s flash meets indie-esque ingenuity, unspooling a tapestry of spectacular visuals and chuckle-inducing moments amidst a seemingly stoic sci-fi backdrop. It’s as if Edwards cheekily winked and tossed in a delightful sprinkle of absurdity, crafting a flick that not only dazzles but also unexpectedly tickles the funny bone.
Our protagonist, Joshua, portrayed with varying degrees of stiffness and charisma by John David Washington, is the quintessential hardened soldier with a crusty exterior that only a robot-child could crack. And not just any robot-child. Enter Madeleine Yuna Voyles as the adorable AI offspring, whose earnest gazes and heart-string-tugging dialogues would make even a toaster well up with emotion.
The film unfurls against the tantalizing canvass of Southeast Asia, where Edwards, alongside cinematographers from the acclaimed “Dune”, frames each shot with the precision of a painter, juxtaposing the cold, angular silhouettes of AI robots against breathtaking backdrops of sunsets that would make any Instagram influencer green with envy.
But it’s not all just visually-induced gasps and guffaws. “The Creator” does occasionally grapple with the weighty ethical questions embedded within its storyline, throwing a spotlight on the heart (or should we say, circuits?) of humanoid robots who are seemingly not too different from their organic counterparts, navigating through feelings of love and compassion with algorithmic precision.
Though the narrative sometimes feels like a merry-go-round of predictability, with our stoic hero inevitably thawing under the warm glow of his robotic charge’s innocence, it’s the moments of unexpected humor that stand out, like delightful nuggets of comedic gold pan-fried amidst a banquet of visual splendor and action.
Yes, the film may sometimes wander into territories of narrative clunkiness, and sure, the chemistry between Joshua and the AI might occasionally resemble that between a man and his refrigerator, but when “The Creator” decides to be funny, it’s like being blindsided by a joyous, glitter-filled water balloon of sci-fi hilarity.
So, while the emotional core of the film might occasionally feel as mechanical as its AI protagonists, and the exploration of ethical dilemmas as deep as a kiddie pool, “The Creator” ultimately wins hearts with its spellbinding visual canvas and bursts of humor that land as effectively as its robots. As the credits roll, you might find yourself not only contemplating the future of AI but also nursing a pleasantly surprised smile plastered across your face.
And as a special Brucy Bonus, here’s an interview with the flick’s director, Gareth Edwards.
