In the future the world is in economic turmoil and a new cold war is beginning to be crafted with China. Faced against extinction, the Ministry of Defence begin work on an artificial intelligence which will be the new wave of killing machine for the army. Vincent (Toby Stephens) is on the verge of finalising the A.I with a human like machine which appears to be as individual as our life force without the emotional attachment however, realising the further implications of the technology and knowing the God like power he has created, looks set to use the technology outside of military use.

 

Assisted by technician Ava (Caity Lotz) in more ways than one, the machine is created however takes on the form of something much deeper, and dangerous than a weapon.

 

Toby Stephens may not be the biggest household name when it comes to sci-fi but holds his own as the troubled lead but it is ultimately Caity Lotz’ machine who steals the show. From emotionless droid to fleshed out human it’s not difficult to recognise how much more significant to the idea of creating artificial intelligence this has over the likes of ‘I, Robot’. Far more superior yet similar in both plot and styling yet a fraction of the budget shows a lot more love and care with ‘The Machine’ that it really proves how an independent small feature can show Hollywood how it’s done.

 

Even Dennis Lawson’s stereotypical military villain takes a standing role and while he may not need the deep characterisation and meaningful goals of world domination, portrays a very dark reality of war and power.

 

Some of the scenes may be a little low budget and appear as made for TV special effects but you can’t help but skim past that when the chemistry and emotion on screen is as powerful as that between Stephens and Lotz. And ‘The Machine’ is not without its action and rest assured, Lotz can kick ass and give the T-800 a run for his money. Managing to balance both action and emotion apart on two interweaving storylines that amalgamate into a deep and powerful film that has been done before, but holds its own as a sci-fi thriller that will be added to the shelves of many a fan of quality film making.

 

From visual effects to the setting, everything about ‘The Machine’ is sci-fi dystopia and even the soundtrack has a Deus Ex, 80’s noir feel to it. Exclusively by Tom Raybould every industrial synth helps translate the screen action to a level of noir 80’s classic. And like many of the booming soundtracks of the 80’s, ‘The Machine’ is set to be a cult classic that needs no introduction.