The science fiction genre is one of the most popular genre in modern day cinema.

It often proves to be the most frustrating. In a storytelling genre with so much opportunity for creativity, we often go through routine procedures that rarely enlighten or even entertain. Studios tend to create futuristic stories that end with a climatic action sequence. However, sometimes they forget about character and lose sense of the story. "Ex Machina" by Alex Garland presents a story set in the near future which entertains, but also focuses on the characters and is devoid of over-the-top action sequences.

"Ex Machina" tells the story of a young programmer, Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) who is selected to participate in a breakthrough experiment in artificial intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a breathtaking female A.I.

Where the film succeeds is in its simplicity as it only takes place in few locations and there are basically three characters throughout. Garland mostly shoots the film in wide shots and standard close-ups, but is able to create dynamic images that tell the story in a very complex way.

For example, during Caleb's sequences with the A.I. robot Garland makes sure to frame the two characters in separate frames and also makes sure to emphasize the glass that separates the two. However, as the characters become more intimate, Garland tightens the angles on the characters and the glass is no longer visible, almost as if there was no longer a barrier between Caleb and Ava.

The same can be said about Caleb and Nathan's relationship. At the beginning of the film Caleb and Nathan share a number of shots together but as they're relationship starts to become tense, the two characters are framed in wide shots or hardly ever share a frame. And when they do share a frame, as in the climactic conversation, there is imbalance with one character dominating over the other or one in focus and the other relegated to the shallow background.

With Garland's subtle direction he is able to help craft unique performances from his cast. Gleeson's Caleb is a genuinely kind character who is willing to help anyone. In some ways he is naïve to the whole experiment that is being conducted and also impressed by Nathan's work. Nevertheless Gleeson makes sure to also showcase the characters defying spirit. Towards the middle of the movie Gleeson also become unpredictable and even shows cunning in his actions with Nathan.

Oscar Isaac's Nathan is unpredictable and volatile. One never really knows what the character is thinking or what he is feeling as he always interrupts with a joke. At one intense moment, Isaac's Nathan starts to dance in one of the most absurd ways. However, it only adds to the unpredictability of the character and the charm he exudes. But his attitude is different towards the A. I. Ava. With his few interactions, there is a sense of hostility and sexual urge. There is also a destructive nature to his character, as he is always uncontrollably drunk. His reaction to a major action in the climax is also priceless and unexpected.

Alicia Vikander plays Ava with the right amount of innocence and naivety. She brings out the childish qualities of a person learning about the world and her interactions with Gleeson showcase that innocence. However, there is a sexual undertone in her character. She showcases them in the most intimate moments with Gleeson as the two become more intimate. Most importantly, she does all of this while still maintaining the illusion that she is still a robot.

Sonya Mizuno brings an eeriness and mystery to the film. Throughout the movie, she is silent and one never knows what she is thinking. All the audience can see are her facial expressions, which remain blank, making the character a complete mystery.

The film's electronic score certainly creates the vibe of a futuristic film and crops in to ramp up the tempo and emotional poise. At one point, the pulse becomes Caleb's own nervous nature as he attempts a destructive action. At the end of the film, the music becomes still and poignant, making the audience hold on and cherish the beauty unfolding onscreen.

Audiences will be left shocked by how this film ultimately unfolds and how Garland plays with tone in the climactic moment. It certainly pushes the envelope of storytelling in a rather unconventional, even if not in a wholly original, manner.

All in all, "Ex Machina" is a beautifully produced Science Fiction film that represents the best of filmmaking and also showcases the possibilities in an overproduced genre.

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