I love films that focus on anything robotic and this film was no exception. Made three years before Ex Machina with a smaller budget, Android (alternatively titled Uncanny) is a real gem. Unfortunately, this film was delayed in post-production and so was not released until after Ex Machina which was not the original intention.
David Kressen is a revolutionary roboticist that has been working for the past decade creating Adam, an advanced artificial intelligence indistinguishable from a human. Joy Andrews, a reporter, is given an exclusive week of access to interview them. As she and David become closer during their week together, his robot starts exhibiting startling behaviour in the form of jealousy and anger. As relationships between all three parties reach a climax, secrets are revealed and technology is both revered and reviled.
This film totally hooked me in the first five minutes and I was riveted till the end which has a twist that will not be revealed here. I did pick the twist during the film, but that did not, in any way, impair my enjoyment.
With only three major characters to sustain interest, it was clever casting and a well-written script that enabled Android to create such an impact in a relatively short amount of time.
Mark Webber (actor, director, script writer) is the perfect robotic scientist – intense, withdrawn and focussed on his career until he meets Lucy. Kressen brings a quiet assurance to his role. Lucy Griffiths (Joy Andrews) has the most difficult role being the “meat in the sandwich”. That is, she is the initiator of tension between the robot and his creator and at times torn between the two. David Clayton Rogers (actor, writer and producer) is detached but intriguing. His character is multi-faceted which he handles with ease.
The film’s score was also a highlight. Sonata in C for Violin and the Piano K.296 by Mozart added to the film’s mood without dominating in any way.
If you loved Ex Machina, I would encourage you to watch Android to see the a completely different take.
Reviewed by Barry Hill
Twitter: @kinesguy
Android (AKA Uncanny) will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on 8 March 2017.
Rating out of 10: 10
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