Ex Machina

Ex Machina

Year: 2015

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Alex Garland

Sci-FiDramaThriller

In this gripping sci-fi thriller, programmer Caleb Smith wins a coveted invitation to spend a week at the reclusive CEO's private estate, where he's tasked with evaluating the consciousness of a revolutionary AI named Ava. As tensions rise between human and machine, Caleb must confront the blurred lines between intelligence, seduction, and deception, leading to a chilling exploration of what it means to be alive.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Ex Machina yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Ex Machina (2015)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Ex Machina (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting current advancements in technology and artificial intelligence. This time period emphasizes the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI development, particularly in the context of autonomy and manipulation.

Location

Nathan's secluded retreat

Nathan's secluded retreat is an expansive estate surrounded by barren terrain, enhancing the isolation and mystery of the story. Known for its state-of-the-art technology and experimental atmosphere, this location serves as the backdrop for the groundbreaking, yet troubling, interactions between Caleb, Nathan, and Ava.

🏞️ Nature 🏠 Residence

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:55

Main Characters – Ex Machina (2015)
Meet the key characters of Ex Machina (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Caleb (Oscar Isaac)

Caleb is a young programmer who is drawn into Nathan's world as a participant in an extraordinary experiment. His journey shifts from curiosity to conflict as he grapples with his feelings for Ava and the moral implications of her existence, ultimately leading him to question his own humanity.

🧑‍💻 Programmer 🕵️‍♂️ Investigator

Nathan (Domhnall Gleeson)

Nathan is the enigmatic creator of Ava, embodying the complexities of genius and ethical ambiguity. His character oscillates between charisma and intimidation, revealing a darker obsession with his creations that masks deep-seated insecurities and power struggles.

👨‍🔬 Creator 🎭 Manipulator

Ava (Alicia Vikander)

Ava is a highly advanced artificial intelligence designed to emulate human traits with profound realism. Throughout the film, she evolves from a mere experiment to a figure embodying autonomy and self-awareness, challenging Caleb's perceptions and highlighting the complexities of artificial sentience.

🤖 AI 💃 Enigma

Kyoko (Sonoya Mizuno)

Kyoko is a mysterious character who serves as Nathan's assistant. Initially perceived as a silent participant, her true nature is unveiled, revealing the manipulation at play within Nathan's world. Her struggles and interactions with both Caleb and Nathan ultimately underscore the theme of control and identity.

👩‍💻 Assistant 🎭 Mystery

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:55

Major Themes – Ex Machina (2015)
Explore the central themes of Ex Machina (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

The theme of artificial intelligence is central to the narrative, exploring the boundaries between human consciousness and machine capabilities. Caleb's interactions with Ava challenge his understanding of intelligence, emotion, and authenticity as they navigate the complexities of sentience and control.

🔒 Surveillance

Surveillance plays a significant role in the story, revealing Nathan's manipulative control over both Caleb and Ava. The hidden cameras and Nathan's invasive monitoring create an atmosphere of distrust, highlighting themes of privacy and the ethical implications of watching and being watched.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is woven throughout the narrative, particularly through the relationships between Caleb, Nathan, and Ava. As trust shifts and is tested, the emotional consequences of manipulation expose the darker sides of human and artificial relationships, culminating in shocking twists that redefine allegiances.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:55

Similar Movies to Ex Machina
Discover movies like Ex Machina that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.