Ex Machina

Alex Garland is the mastermind behind screenplays for a considerable number of knockout indie films. With Ex Machina, the accomplished writer makes his first foray into the world of directing. The film follows the story of a low level coder who, whilst spending a week at his boss’s mountain retreat, finds himself party to a strange and fascinating experiment.

Garland’s first novel The Beach was adopted by Danny Boyle and turned into a Hollywood blockbuster that helped make Leonardo di Caprio’s name. Since then he has been responsible for a string of low budget classics such as 28 Days Later, Sunshine and Dredd. The budget for Ex Machina is reportedly a paltry $15m so expect a film low on Nolan-style special effects but high on indie sci-fi charm.

The film explores the concept of artificial intelligence as the protagonist Caleb is forced to interact with the world’s first fully functioning android, housed in the body of a beautiful woman. Caleb will be played by rising (some would say already risen) star Domnhall Gleeson. Although famous for his lead role in Richard Curtis rom-com About Time, Gleeson has also shown his grittier side in Lenny Abrahamson’s Frank. Moreover, his own turn as a digitized android in Charlie Brooker’s Broken Mirror series makes him no stranger to the subject matter.

Alicia Vikander, famed for her performances in A Royal Affair and Anna Karenina, will play the robot, whilst Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) is set to play Nathan, the billionaire on whose island the experiment takes place.

Ex Machina is billed as a thriller so we may, thankfully, rest assured that this will not be a film in which the human/robot relationship is a twee or tacky one. If Garland’s past credits are anything to go by, Ex Machina, set for release in April of next year, is far more likely to be an earthy and intelligent sci-fi.

Cinemas showing Ex Machina in London:

Central:Where to see Ex Machina in South London: Somerset House

Ex Machina is showing for one night only (Saturday 6th August) in a double bill with 1987 classic RoboCop at Summer Screen, the unmissable 14-day open air cinema festival set amid Somerset House's neoclassical gorgeousness.
Click here to see our pick of the rest of the best of Summer Screen's line-up.

South: Where to see Ex Machina in South London: The Ritzy
Brixton's historic Ritzy is known for its relaxed atmosphere and eclectic programme of art-house films, documentaries and Hollywood blockbusters. The range of craft beers on offer make The Ritzy a cut above the rest.
Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the Ritzy this weekend.

North: Where to see Ex Machina in North London: Screen on the Green, Islington
This historic cinema is a favourite amongst Islingtonites. With its ionic, red neon facade, and renowned for its great hospitality the Screen on the Green is.
Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the Screen on the Green, Islington this weekend.

East: Where to see Ex Machina in East London: Hackney Picturehouse
The Hackney Pictureshouse shows a quirky mix of art-house and mainstream films. And with its buzzing bar and restaurant, it’s a great place to hang out before and after screenings.
Click here for other suggestions of what's on at the Hackney Picturehouse this weekend.

West: Where to see Ex Machina in West London: The Lounge, Whiteleys
The Lounge, Whiteleys is an Odeon like no other: under-18s are banned and and customers treated to a luxury cinema experience. Should you need a top-up, the chairs are equipped with buttons to call waiting staff during the film. Luxury indeed.
Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the Lounge, Whiteleys this weekend.

If none of our suggestions take your fancy, check out the complete cinema listings for Ex Machina in London: Ex Machina film times, London