The Creator (12A)
Directed by Gareth Edwards
★★★★
 

THE ethical pros and cons of artificial intelligence, which is the topic de jour, is the focal point of this visually breathtaking epic sci-fi action thriller from British co-writer and director Gareth Edwards (Rogue One). 
 
Set in 2065 when the human race is at war with AI forces, Joshua (John David Washington), an ex-special forces agent who is grieving the loss of his wife (Gemma Chan), is recruited to hunt down the Creator. This is the mysterious architect of advanced AI who devised a weapon that can end both the conflict and mankind itself. When Joshua goes behind enemy lines in New Asia, he discovers that the said device is a young AI girl called Alphie (an impressive Madeleine Yuna Voyles who steals the film) who is only interested in watching cartoons. 
 
How does he go about killing an adorable and innocent-looking AI child who ends up bonding with him? While he begins to see her as an entity in her own right, to his boss Colonel Howell (a phenomenal Allison Janney) she is an apocalyptic weapon that must be destroyed at all costs. 
 
Edwards’ gripping drama explores what it means to be human and whether AI can be conscious and be good or evil. In fact, it is the AI that shows the greatest humanity in contrast to Joshua’s superiors who are devoid of compassion or insight, and hell-bent on annihilating all AI. 
 
Like Joshua, you too become invested in Alphie and at times you forget she isn’t human. The special effects are outstanding, and it is a stunning looking film and surprisingly moving. 
 
Ambitious and thought provoking, it has to be enjoyed on the big screen. 

Out in cinemas from Friday

Flora and Son (15)
Directed by John Carney
★★★★