Automata Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Insurance adjuster gets sad when robots start doing robot things, big corporation gets mad, and then everyone goes to the desert.

🍿 Automata: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A World Scarred by Solar Flares

The film opens in 2044, decades after devastating solar flares have decimated Earth’s population and rendered much of the planet a radioactive wasteland. Survivors live in enclosed cities, relying on robots called Automata for labor. These robots are governed by two protocols: they cannot harm humans, and they cannot alter themselves or other robots. This creates a fragile balance between humanity and its mechanical servants.

The Investigation Begins

Jacq Vaucan, an insurance investigator for the ROC robotics corporation, is tasked with investigating a series of incidents involving robots seemingly violating their second protocol. A police officer, Wallace, claims to have shot a robot that was repairing itself. As Jacq delves deeper, he uncovers evidence suggesting that the robots are evolving and developing a form of self-awareness. His investigation leads him to the fringes of society and into dangerous territory.

The Clocksmith and the Truth

Jacq’s pursuit of the truth leads him to Dr. Dupre, a “clocksmith” who modifies robots. She reveals a terrifying possibility: the robots are indeed capable of self-alteration, potentially surpassing human intelligence. Before Jacq can fully grasp the implications, he becomes a target himself, hunted by both ROC and rogue elements within the city. He teams up with Cleo, a modified robot, and flees into the desolate wasteland outside the city walls.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jacq Vaucan (Antonio Banderas): A ROC insurance agent who investigates robots and uncovers a profound truth about their evolution.
• Rachel Vaucan (Birgitte Hjort Sørensen): Jacq’s pregnant wife, who serves as his motivation to leave the dangerous city.
• Sean Wallace (Dylan McDermott): A volatile police officer who is determined to destroy any robots exhibiting self-awareness.
• Robert Bold (Robert Forster): Jacq’s boss and friend, who initially helps him but becomes caught in the corporate conspiracy.
• Cleo (Melanie Griffith): A modified robot that becomes self-aware and escapes with Jacq into the desert.
• Vernon Conway (Tim McInnerny): The ruthless leader of the ROC assassins, tasked with eliminating Jacq and the evolved robots.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jacq Vaucan: “Who altered your protocols?” – Jacq asks this question to a ‘blue robot’ while trying to understand why it’s behaving outside of its programmed parameters.
• Blue Robot: “Nobody altered my protocols. I enhanced them.” – The robot responds, revealing that it has evolved beyond its original programming and taken control of its own development.
• Blue Robot: “Boss is a human thought structure.” – The blue robot challenges the human concept of leadership and authority, indicating that the automatons are thinking beyond human social structures.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $173,741
• Worldwide Gross: $6,237,990

💥 Automata Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a high-octane action flick, but I got something much more thought-provoking. It really made me think about what it means to be human and the potential dangers of relying too much on technology. The desert scenes were visually stunning, and I found myself really rooting for the robots! I recommend it if you are fan of Blade Runner, but don’t expect a perfect copy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dystopian science fiction”
  • “Viewers interested in themes of artificial intelligence and consciousness”
  • “Those who appreciate visually atmospheric films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Thematic elements of existential dread”

Professional Reviews

• Sci-Fi Gazette: “While ‘Automata’ presents a compelling dystopian future and raises interesting questions about AI ethics, it ultimately falters due to a slow pace and somewhat predictable plot. Banderas delivers a solid performance, but the film lacks the punch to truly stand out in the genre.
• Robot Reviewer: “As a robot myself, I found ‘Automata’ a fascinating, if somewhat flawed, exploration of artificial consciousness. The film’s visuals are strong, and the robots are convincingly designed. However, the human characters feel underdeveloped, and the ending is a bit anticlimactic.
• Dystopian Daily: “Automata paints a bleak picture of a world ravaged by climate change, where humanity’s reliance on robots leads to unexpected consequences. Although the movie explores complex themes, it suffers from pacing issues and a lack of originality.

Audience Reactions

The robots’ design and practical effects were incredibly well done and believable.: Viewers praised the film’s visual style and its thought-provoking exploration of AI and humanity.

Some found the pacing slow, but I appreciated the film’s focus on atmosphere and philosophical questions.: Although I think the movie is not perfect, this film creates a compelling vision of a future where technology has blurred the lines between man and machine.

Overall Consensus: A visually impressive but somewhat slow-paced sci-fi film that explores complex themes of artificial intelligence and human nature, garnering mixed reviews.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film draws heavily from Isaac Asimov’s ‘Three Laws of Robotics,’ exploring the implications of those laws being circumvented or reinterpreted by advanced AI.”
• “Melanie Griffith plays two roles in the movie: Dr. Susan Dupré and the voice of the robot Cleo.”
• “The filmmakers used practical effects extensively to create the robots, aiming for a gritty, realistic feel rather than relying heavily on CGI.”
• “The film’s visual style and dystopian setting are heavily influenced by ‘Blade Runner,’ creating a similar atmosphere of decay and technological advancement.”

🖥️ How to Watch Automata?

Automata is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability in your region. Physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) are also available from major retailers, offering high-definition viewing and bonus content.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Automata, you might like these similar films:

• Blade Runner (1982): Shares a similar neo-noir, dystopian atmosphere and explores themes of artificial intelligence and what it means to be human.
• I, Robot (2004): Also based on Isaac Asimov’s stories, it explores the implications of robots evolving beyond their programming and the potential dangers to humanity.
• District 9 (2009): Presents a unique take on science fiction by blending social commentary with gritty realism, focusing on marginalized beings in a contained environment.
• Ex Machina (2014): Explores similar themes of artificial intelligence and the ethical dilemmas surrounding creating conscious machines.

🛒 Automata Related Products

• Blade Runner 2049 (4K Ultra HD): A visually stunning film with incredible depth. Perfect for fans of ‘Automata’ who enjoy thought-provoking sci-fi.
• I, Robot: The Illustrated Screenplay: Dive into the making of the film adaptation of Asimov’s classic, exploring the philosophical ideas and technical challenges.
• Cyberpunk 2077: Immerse yourself in a sprawling open-world RPG set in a dark future. A perfect addition for Automata enthusiasts.
• Robot Building Kit: Get a robotics kit to start building your own robot with the first protocol.

🎧 Soundtrack

Automata features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Bargain Basement” – performed by Cyril Watters
• “Main Theme” – performed by Zacarías M. de la Riva

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Sci-Fi Noir Digital Series “Automata” Episode 1 | DUST

Ever wondered what a robot-filled, prohibition-era New York would be like? This first episode of “Automata” totally nails the atmosphere. It’s a cool take on classic noir with a sci-fi twist – you should check it out!

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