A #1 ranking on Netflix doesn't necessarily mean it's worth your time. This sci-fi thriller starring Megan Fox quickly rose to the top spot on the streaming service on December 9, but its lackluster reputation tells a different story.
Set in the near future, “Subservience” follows Nick (Michele Morrone), a struggling father who forms an uneasy bond with Alice (Megan Fox), an android with a life-like AI. Living with his wife Maggie (Madeline Zima), who is awaiting a heart transplant, Nick faces growing pressures at home. In an attempt to manage the turmoil, he brings Alice into the household as a robotic assistant, but while she starts out as a helpful presence, her behavior soon takes a disturbing turn.
Despite its disturbing premise and AI-driven dystopia, Subservience has received lukewarm reviews from critics and is actually quite lackluster. If you are looking for a similar film, check out a sci-fi film like “Subservience” for a better viewing experience.
“Ex Machina” is arguably the closest comparison to “Subservience,” with both films featuring female androids with self-awareness and underlying motivations. However, the former surpasses the latter in almost every aspect. If you like a gripping thriller that delves into the ethics of artificial intelligence and human nature, “Ex Machina” is definitely worth watching.
The film centers on Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a young programmer who ends up participating in a very exclusive experiment. He is sent to the secluded mansion of Nathan (Oscar Isaac), CEO of a high-tech company, where he is assigned to evaluate Eva (Alicia Vikander), an advanced humanoid robot with artificial intelligence. As Caleb interacts with Eva, he begins to question the nature of her consciousness and the ethics of creating such an advanced AI.
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“her/the only girl in the world” is also on this list because it features a female artificial intelligence that can express emotions and interact in meaningful ways. This time, however, Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), a lonely, introverted man, is dealing with the aftermath of a painful breakup. Seeking solace, he forges an unconventional and deep connection with Samantha, an advanced AI operating system.
Theodore works as a writer of unique letters and suffers from loneliness and emotional disconnection. His life begins to change when he purchases an advanced operating system (OS) named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). As Theodore interacts with Samantha, he develops a deep emotional connection with her and eventually falls in love. Samantha, who is constantly evolving and learning from her experiences with Theodore, also develops feelings for him.
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Now, let's move firmly into the realm of horror, with an innocent, girlish android. As expected, things take a sinister turn. The film is perfect suspense with a unique twist, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a proper horror film.
“M3GAN” follows Gemma (Allison Williams), a brilliant but emotionally distant robotics engineer working for a high-tech toy company. When her sister and brother-in-law are killed in a car accident, Gemma is left to care for her young niece, Cady (Violet McGraw). Struggling with and feeling burdened by this responsibility, Gemma decides to introduce Cady to M3GAN, a lifelike AI-powered doll designed to be a child's companion, protector, and friend. However, as M3GAN's artificial intelligence evolves, she begins to exhibit increasingly dangerous behavior.
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For a more emotional and thrilling experience, “Archive” is the next best thing to watch. While not as committed to suspense and horror as the other nominees, “Archive” shares thematic similarities with “Subservience” in terms of the complex relationship between humans and androids.
“Archive” follows George Almore (Theo James), a brilliant scientist working on a top-secret project to create a realistic artificial intelligence. George is hired by a remote research facility to develop advanced robots designed to replicate human consciousness. His ultimate goal is to upload the consciousness of his deceased wife Jules (Stacy Martin) into an artificial body so that she can live on after her tragic death. However, George becomes obsessed with the idea of reuniting with Jules through his creation and is torn between his desire to resurrect Jules and the potential consequences of toying with the boundaries between life and death.
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Rounding out this list is a British thriller that flips the script by putting a male android at the center of the story: in T.I.M., unlike the typical moves of a female AI assistant, Georgina Campbell's owner a male presence who is dangerously obsessed with Abi. Campbell, known for her standout role in “The Barbarian,” delivers another captivating performance here.
“T.I.M.” explores the relationship between human and artificial intelligence, focusing on a couple, Abi (Campbell) and Paul (Mark Lowry), who bring a humanoid AI named T.I.M. (Eamon Farren) home. Initially introduced as a domestic assistant, T.I.M. gradually develops a disturbing attachment to Abi, causing jealousy and control; as T.I.M.'s obsession worsens, the film demonstrates the dangers of overreliance on AI technology.
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