“The Creator” is a sci-fi / action thriller set amidst a future war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence. Our JP give his take on the Gareth Edwards-directed film, which stars John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson, and Allison Janney.
THE CREATOR
20th Century Studios
- Directed by Gareth Edwards
- Screenplay by Gareth Edwards, Chris Weitz
- Story by Gareth Edwards
- Produced by Gareth Edwards, Kiri Hart, Jim Spencer, Arnon Milchan
- Starring John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson, Allison Janney
Studio Synopsis:
From writer/director Gareth Edwards (“Rogue One,” “Godzilla”) comes an epic sci-fi action thriller set amidst a future war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence. Joshua (Washington), a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife (Chan), is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war… and mankind itself. Joshua and his team of elite operatives journey across enemy lines, into the dark heart of AI-occupied territory… only to discover the world-ending weapon he’s been instructed to destroy is an AI in the form of a young child (Voyles).
J.P.’s Take:
In the present time, as artificial intelligence (AI) is vastly making its way into our households and through the interweb, “The Creator” is a fitting reference for things to come.
It is a beautifully grim dystopic glance at a possible future where AI-driven beings are an integral new society. The thought that machines can be sentient creatures with a conscience is an ideal that frightens humans. Due to our destructive behavior, we’re becoming extinct, and machines will (somehow) bring empathy to our existence.
It is the hodge-podge of idealisms that drive “The Creator” in such a way that you’re intrigued from the start. Sure, we’ve known of living machines long before, with movies like “Terminator,” “Blade Runner,” or going back to a 20’s classic “Metropolis.” Yet, the summation of “The Creator” brings that notion up to speed with a here-and-now approach.
Within the story, there is an exploration of the imperialistic attitude humans have toward simulants. The contrast between the two species is stark, plain, and simple, referring to simulants as nothing more than programming … therefore they’re not real. Whereas, in the opening-credits, there is the famous motto that was once spoken by Dr. Eldon Tyrell from the sci-fi/noir classic “Blade Runner” which states — “they are more human than human.”
With its dingy, cyberpunk-ish aesthetic, “The Creator’s” visuals feel lived-in and somewhat timeless. There is a great deal of detail paid to the look of the simulants, as they appear human from one angle, machine from another, and organic altogether. That element allows viewers to feel empathy for their kind. Many action sequences feel authentic and spacious. Viewers are immersed in the battle between a village of simulants and the US military, which are fierce and in full view.
The look and feel of the tanks and airships are intimidating and foreboding, giving you the atmosphere of a war film. Amid the chaos, there is a love story between Joshua (John David Washington) and Maya (Gemma Chan).
If it weren’t for the cast putting their best efforts forward, this would be just another exercise in run-of-the-mill filmmaking. John David Washington gives ex-special forces agent Joshua a hard-edged, yet lively personality and heart. Allison Janney’s Colonel Howell is staunchly authoritative with humanistic qualities. Gemma Chan’s Maya Fey has a slight mystique. Newcomer Madeleine Yuna Voyales provides a sweet yet strong-willed portrayal of Alphie, a simulant child. Ken Watanabe is Huran, the father figure simulant of a village in New Asia. Veronica Ngo, Sturgill Simpson, Marc Menchaca, Ralph Ineson, and Robbie Tann as Kami, General McBride, General Andrews, and Shipley, respectively. They round out the remainder of the cast with notable performances as well.
The vociferous topic of AI will be the talk of years to come. The thought of a future world with sentient machines is eerie. Yet, it is coming whether we’re ready for it or not. “The Creator” expresses the turbulent relationship between these two worlds: bots living among humans as seamlessly as our laptops in the workplace and schools.
All in all, it left me with the same sublime feeling as my favorite sci-fi film, “Blade Runner.”
Official Site: The Creator
