12 Years Later, One of the Century’s Greatest Sci-Fi Movies Arrives on Netflix

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Before directing popular films like Civil War and Warfare, Alex Garland made a stunning debut with the sci-fi movie Ex Machina. Now, 12 years later, this critically acclaimed film is back for a new audience to enjoy on Netflix.

Released internationally in 2014 and in the US by A24 on April 15, 2015, Ex Machina is a thought-provoking sci-fi thriller. Domhnall Gleeson stars as a talented programmer who earns the chance to spend a week at his company’s secluded estate with its unusual CEO, played by Oscar Isaac. He finds himself at the center of a Turing Test, designed to evaluate the intelligence and awareness of Ava (Alicia Vikander), a strikingly realistic robot. Unlike many AI films that rely on grand effects, Ex Machina is a remarkably restrained and skillful movie, also written by Alex Garland, who had previously penned sci-fi hits like Sunshine and the acclaimed post-apocalyptic horror film, 28 Days Later.

‘Ex Machina’ Is a Philosophical Look at Consciousness & Control


A24

Before programs like ChatGPT came along and made conversing with AI an everyday occurrence, Ex Machina dove deep to examine the questions we’re all asking ourselves today. Will AI eventually begin to think for itself, and — if so — will it be able to manipulate us to such a degree that we still think we’re the ones in control?

The idea behind Ex Machina is unsettling, but director Alex Garland handles it skillfully. The film delves into thought-provoking themes like creation, evolution, and how genders interact, leaving a lasting impression. It’s more than just a movie about artificial intelligence; it’s about the hubris of men who think they have ultimate power. Nathan, played by Oscar Isaac, views himself as an all-knowing creator deserving of complete control. It’s fitting, then, that his own pride ultimately leads to his ruin.

‘Ex Machina’ Is a Sci-Fi Masterpiece

Despite everything, Caleb isn’t perfect in Ex Machina either. His tendency to want to rescue others makes him easily tricked by Ava, and he fails to recognize the danger she poses. This naivety ultimately leads to his demise, creating a contrasting dynamic with Nathan – where Nathan is dominant, Caleb is vulnerable.

Considering everything, it’s no surprise that many fans and critics consider Ex Machina to be one of the best science fiction films of the 21st century. It has a 92% ‘Certified Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences giving it an 86% score. As Kelechi Ehenulo of Confessions From A Geek Mind noted in their review:

Ex Machina explores a well-worn idea, but does so with such depth, complexity, and imagination that it stands out as one of the best films of 2015, and likely will be remembered as a science fiction classic.

You can now watch the sci-fi thriller Ex Machina on Netflix, starting February 1st. It’s also available on HBO Max, but the Netflix addition makes it easier for more people to see.

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2026-02-04 14:02