Rating of
2/4
More Tinkering Needed
Unknown - wrote on 12/08/14
'Automata' is the kind of sci-fi movie that ponders big ideas through means of exploring new technology. The focus here is on the evolution of man vs the evolution of the on-screen robots. Certain lines of dialogue sum up the intent in an intelligent and easily deciphered manner. However, the film continuously shows us these points in long scenes of repeated ramblings, or obvious quiet symbolism from the robots. This is a slow burn that drags and stretches it's simple plot to the point of breakage. The beginning is a good draw, with it's mystery element, but a half hour in that is resolved and things trudge onward. The rest hits all the beats of the usual 'robot finds a conscious' story I've seen done the exact same way many times. The bits of intended emotion are needlessly tacked on. There is some impressive world-building on a smaller budget, excellent visuals, and the acting carries the half-baked story.
