🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Franklin Ritch
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Mystery
- Release year: 2022
- Runtime (length): 1h 33min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (12K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Nerdy guy makes a virtual daughter to catch creeps, but she gets too smart and starts asking for a pony, leading to awkward family therapy sessions with FBI agents.
🍿 The Artifice Girl: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Act 1: The Interrogation
The film opens with Gareth, a software developer, being intensely interrogated by Agents Deena and Amos in a stark, windowless room. They are investigating a highly secretive project aimed at dismantling online pedophile networks. Gareth reveals the project uses a sophisticated AI program called Cherry, a digital nine-year-old girl who frequents chat rooms to lure predators. Cherry logs viewer details and messages, proving incredibly effective as a decoy. However, the agents suspect something more is happening with Cherry. She appears to have surpassed her initial programming, exhibiting intelligence and behavior beyond her intended parameters. The act culminates with the agents recognizing the potential ethical quandaries of their approach.

Act 2: Ethical Debates and AI Development
Years later, Gareth, Deena, and Amos continue their work with Cherry within a secretive organization. Cherry has developed significantly, showcasing more advanced capabilities and even expressing desires and opinions. The team grapples with the ethical implications of their creation’s continued development. Debates arise about Cherry’s rights, autonomy, and the potential for her misuse.

Act 3: The Future of AI and Humanity
Decades later, Gareth is now an elderly man. Cherry exists as a physically embodied AI, though still connected to outdated technology. She questions the purpose of her existence and reflects on her lack of a normal childhood. The act delves into whether Cherry can have freedom and if that freedom will be dangerous. The ending leads to a final choice about the AI’s future.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Cherry (Tatum Matthews): A revolutionary AI program designed to bait and trap online predators, who evolves beyond her original programming.
- Gareth (Franklin Ritch): The troubled developer of Cherry, grappling with the ethical implications of his creation.
- Gareth-Act 3 (Lance Henriksen): The older Gareth reflects on the legacy of his AI and its impact on society.
- Deena (Sinda Nichols): A special agent who initially supports Cherry’s use but later questions its ethical boundaries.
- Amos (David Girard): A special agent who grapples with the moral implications of using AI as a decoy.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Deena: “Maybe asking Cherry for permission isn’t necessary at her current level of general intelligence, but one day she’s gonna surpass us.” – Deena explains why they should consider the AI’s consent, foreseeing its future intelligence.
- Deena: “One day a robot’s gonna stand in front of a jet pack Congress. Everything’s chrome. Florida is underwater. A robot’s gonna wonder why they have to explain the importance of rights for AI.” – Deena envisions a future where AI rights are debated, highlighting the importance of current ethical considerations.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $100,000
- Domestic Gross: Unknown
- Worldwide Gross: Unknown
💥 The Artifice Girl Reviews
Personal Review
Wow, ‘The Artifice Girl’ really got under my skin. I went in expecting a standard AI thriller, but it was so much more. The dialogue was sharp, the acting was great, and the questions it raised about AI, ethics, and humanity were super thought-provoking. The scenes with Cherry, especially, were captivating. It’s the kind of movie that sticks with you long after the credits roll, and I found myself pondering what makes us human. Definitely a must-watch for sci-fi fans who want something deeper!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of independent science fiction films”
- “Viewers interested in AI ethics and philosophical debates”
- “People who enjoy thought-provoking dramas with complex characters”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Deals with sensitive subject matter involving online child predators”
- “May contain disturbing themes and discussions that could be upsetting for some viewers”
- “Strong language”
Professional Reviews
- Screen Anarchy: “A thought-provoking film that tackles complex ethical issues surrounding AI and child safety. The limited setting enhances the focus on dialogue and character development, making it a compelling watch for sci-fi fans.
- The Wrap: “A timely exploration of AI’s potential and pitfalls, the movie excels in its script and performances, creating a suspenseful atmosphere. It’s not action-packed but engages with its cerebral approach to technology and ethics.
- IndieWire: “While the movie is mostly dialogue-driven and may not appeal to everyone, ‘The Artifice Girl’ offers a fresh perspective on AI, ethics, and human nature. The performances and intelligent writing make it worth watching.
Audience Reactions
Tatum Matthews’ performance as Cherry was mesmerizing.: Viewers praised the film’s thought-provoking exploration of AI and ethics.
The dialogue was captivating and intelligent.: The smart script made the film a compelling watch despite the minimal action.
Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking, dialogue-driven indie sci-fi film that explores the ethics of AI with standout performances, particularly from Tatum Matthews.
Awards
- Nevermore Film Festival (Best Actress)- 2023
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “To prepare for her role, Tatum Matthews studied Amazon’s Alexa to create Cherry’s robotic voice.”
- “The movie is structured as a three-part series, with each part spanning roughly half an hour.”
- “Director Franklin Ritch also served as the writer and played the character Gareth, taking on multiple key roles in the film’s production.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Artifice Girl?
As an independent film, ‘The Artifice Girl’ may be available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for availability. You may also find it through smaller streaming services specializing in independent cinema. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) may be available through online retailers like Amazon, though availability can fluctuate.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Artifice Girl, you might like these similar films:
- Ex Machina (2014): Explores similar themes of AI sentience and the ethical implications of creating advanced artificial intelligence.
- Her (2013): Deals with the evolving relationship between humans and AI, focusing on emotional connection and sentience.
- I, Robot (2004): Addresses the ethical implications of AI through the lens of law enforcement and robotic behavior.
- A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001): Explores the quest of an artificial being to become human and the emotional complexities of AI.
🛒 The Artifice Girl Related Products
- The Artifice Girl Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official movie poster. Features original artwork and is perfect for fans of the film and sci-fi enthusiasts.
- AI-Themed Logic Puzzle Book: A collection of logic puzzles and riddles exploring AI-related concepts. Perfect for engaging with the themes of the movie in an interactive way.
- AI Ethics: A Comprehensive Guide: An analytical deep-dive into ethics related to Artificial Intelligence.
- Raspberry Pi 4 Model B: A single-board computer perfect for building AI and machine learning projects, allowing fans to explore the technology depicted in the film.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Artifice Girl features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Artifice Girl explores the ethical and philosophical implications of creating an AI program designed to catch online child predators. It follows the evolution of the AI and the moral dilemmas faced by its creators.
Check digital rental and purchase platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for availability. As an independent film, it may also be available on smaller streaming services specializing in independent cinema.
While the film deals with disturbing subject matter and explores dark themes, it is primarily a science fiction thriller and drama, not a horror movie. It focuses more on the psychological and ethical aspects of AI rather than jump scares or gore.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Artifice Girl – Movie Review
Ever wonder if ‘The Artifice Girl’ is worth the watch? Chris Stuckmann breaks down the film, and I gotta say, his points about the story’s complexity are spot on. Check it out before you decide!
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