The Machine
Starring: Toby Stevens, Caity Lotz, Denis Lawson
Director: Caradog W. James
Rating: 4/5
It is not very often that a British sci-fi film comes along, and when they do, you really have to sit up and take note.
Caradog W. James has written and directed The Machine, and it really is a terrific watch from the start.
Britain is in a Cold War with a new enemy, the Ministry of Defence is on the brink of developing a game-changing weapon.
Lead scientist Vincent McCarthy (Stephens) provides the answer with his creation, ‘The Machine’- an android with unrivalled physical and processing skills.
When a programming glitch causes an early prototype to destroy his lab, McCarthy enlists artificial intelligence expert Ava (Caity Lotz) to help him harness the full potential of a truly conscious fighting machine.
First and foremost, there is an air of secrets and dread that hangs over this movie from the very first frame; this really does notch up the tension and the fear factor.
There is a real claustrophobic feel to the weapon's facility where McCarthy works and you really do feel that this is danger and deceit around every corner. It really will send a shiver down your spine.
However, The Machine really is a sci-fi film of some substance, as it tackles some really interesting themes; do machines have the ability to become human?
The movie focuses in on the major technological developments that have taken place - giving the film a very contemporary feel - and if these developments could be taken a step further.
It explores the idea of building machine 'soldiers' that could take the place of humans in a war zone; which is an interesting concept in itself.
Throw in the fact that this is not a sci-fi film that is packed with over the top special effects and CGI at every turn, and you have a film that is gritty, real, and raw.
Toby Stevens gives a terrific central performance, as a man who is desperate to save his daughter. Sadly, his backstory is explored a little too briefly, and it would have been great if we could have got to know this character a little better.
The minimalist look of the film works incredibly well and coupled with a pounding soundtrack, it really does help to bring this movie to life.
I knew nothing about this film before watching, and I have to say I was incredibly surprised at how entertaining and compelling a watch it is.
Caradog W. James asks some rather unnerving questions in his second directorial outing. He doesn't answer the moral questions posed by the film, leaving the audience to decide for themselves.
If you love sci-fi, then The Machine is a film that is really worth checking out.
The Machine is out now.