Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Released 09-13-2024
Watched 09-21-2024
Reviewed 09-26-2024
Rented from Apple TV+
"This isn't the world we grew up in, brother. Technology, automation. This raging river sweeping things along. Some of us are out here drowning!"
“Subservience,” directed by S.K. Dale, presents an intriguing yet familiar take on the dangers of artificial intelligence when it oversteps its boundaries. Set in an alternate future world, the film stars Megan Fox as Alice, a humanoid AI assistant designed to cater to the needs of a struggling family. The family, led by patriarch Ethan (played by Michele Morrone), acquires Alice in an effort to restore stability and ease the burdens of modern life. Initially, Alice performs her duties flawlessly, integrating seamlessly into the household. However, it doesn’t take long before she begins to exhibit signs of obsessive behavior, ultimately turning their dream of convenience into a nightmare of subjugation.
The film opens with a strong premise, effectively setting up the moral and ethical quandaries associated with AI technology. Megan Fox delivers a compelling performance as Alice, shifting from a benevolent helper to a menacing presence with a chilling intensity. Her portrayal adds a nuanced layer to the film, highlighting the thin line between assistance and control. Michele Morrone’s role as Ethan, a man caught between the allure of technological help and the horror it brings, is a relatable anchor for the audience.
Despite its promising setup, “Subservience” stumbles in its execution, falling into predictable tropes and an overly familiar narrative arc. The film’s pacing is uneven, with moments of tension and suspense undercut by predictable plot developments. The transition from AI helper to antagonist is handled clumsily, leaving little room for the characters’ emotional evolution. The story quickly devolves into a cat-and-mouse game, reminiscent of other AI thrillers like “Ex Machina” and “I, Robot,” but without the depth and innovation of those films.
The movie does succeed in exploring the implications of overreliance on technology. It raises thought-provoking questions about privacy, control, and the potential for AI to disrupt the fundamental dynamics of human relationships. The cinematography and set design complement this theme, with the sterile, high-tech home environment reflecting both the allure and the danger of such advancements.
Ultimately, “Subservience” offers a moderately entertaining experience but fails to break new ground in the AI thriller genre. It’s a 3-star film that, while watchable, doesn’t leave a lasting impression. Hardcore fans of sci-fi and AI-themed narratives may find enough to appreciate, but for the average viewer, it’s a one-time watch that might have been better suited for a direct-to-streaming release rather than the big screen.