Uncanny

'UNCANNY': Four Stars (Out of Five)

Indie sci-fi flick, about a reporter doing a story on the most advanced artificial intelligence unit the world has ever seen; and the scientist who created it. A bizarre relationship develops between all three. The film stars Mark Webber, Lucy Griffiths, David Clayton Rogers and Rainn Wilson. It was directed by Matthew Leutwyler (who also directed such indie sci-fi and horror flicks as 'DEAD & BREAKFAST' and 'UNEARTHED') and it was written by Shahin Chandrasoma. The movie is interesting, and well made, especially for such a (seemingly) low budget production.

David Kressen (Webber) was an MIT graduate, at the age of 19. He was hired by billionaire Simon Castle (Wilson), upon graduation, and never seen or heard from again. Joy Andrews (Griffiths) is a technology reporter, who was just given a week's worth of time to interview David, and his most advanced creation; an artificial intelligence named Adam (Rogers). Adam is so lifelike, that Joy mistakes him for a human- being, upon introduction. As the week goes by, Joy develops feelings for David; while Adam also appears to develop feelings for Joy. The A.I. becomes very unpredictable, and frightening, because of it.

When I first started watching this movie, I had severe doubts that I would like it; because it seems extremely low-budget, and amateurishly made (at first glance). I was happy to find out I was wrong (by the end of the film). There's not a lot of action, or flashy visuals, but it is a well written and decently acted movie. I was intrigued, and involved in what was going on, all the way to the very end. It kind of reminds me (a little) of 'EX MACHINA', from earlier this year; just on a much smaller (and lower budget) scale.

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There is a plausible explanation for everything but let us not forget that in Sci-fi, one has to agree that this is true. You see in the world of science fiction, we crossover into another dimension which Rod Serling explains so well as a "world of sight and sound of things and ideas" but no longer in this zone but the another called Twilight. Here in this movie, we enter into the plot with full senses watching and reading the scenes and enjoying the movie as it unfolds. During this time, the viewers imagination is activated and captured. This movie makes you think and wonder and for me that's good sci-fi. The acting and story premises all handled well. Enjoy a nice snack with a tasty drink while watching. Make it through the end credits too as there is another scene wanting to add to your already viewing pleasures. If you want your head to hurt some, just read some of the theories and sharings by others online Uncanny? NO just decent sci-fi

Comparisons with 'EX MACHINA' is inevitable, the set up is almost identical; 1 scientist has created a shockingly human-like robot and 1 person is sent to investigate just how life-life the robot actually is.

But let it be known that in no way is this a rip-off of said movie as it was released just 9 days after 'EX MACHINA' was... Hardly enough time to write a script of this magnitude and cast it as well as this was cast etc etc.

The acting is great (Mark Webber is just one hit-movie away from becoming an a-lister I believe, if you've seen him in other things you know that this performance is very unlike his usual performances, if he even has such a thing) and the atmosphere as well.

The writing is very good for the more part, I was slightly let down by the ending though I must admit but I still enjoyed the movie as a whole and will most likely watch again sometime.

If you like low-key up close and personal sci-fi's then this will most certainly do.

The plot was intriguing in this small flick, and the acting was quite good. It took me about 30 min into the movie to start to suspect what going on, but I was not trying to figure out the movie. This was a cool little sci-fi flick. Nothing earth shattering but well done and entertaining. I am glad I watched it. I like the theme of Robots and humans. I love the show Real Humans (2012– ) "Äkta människor" from Sweden. In that show they called the Robots, Hubots- best name ever. Now it has been remade for the UK/US version, (not nearly as good as the Swedish version). Still good. Those shows take the theme of Uncanny further.

Uncanny is one of those very rare movies that quickly and effectively engages the viewer.

This is a slow burn sci fi, there is not an abundance of special effects or action. What you get instead is a mostly well written, very clever story with a message about deception and surveillance. Technology may be amazing but, in the wrong hands, it is not necessarily our friend.

The acting is of a very high standard. Its hard to fault the cast in any way. That said, the story which is almost excellent lets the film down somewhat in the last five to ten minutes. Its conclusion is a little clumsy, whilst the rest of the film is carried with an airy, almost effortless, deftness. A more subtle conclusion, would still have carried the films message and I suspect, left a more indelible impression on the viewer.

So is Uncanny worth your time? Yes it is. It may be a little flawed but this is still a very good film with a very relevant message. Eight out of ten from me.