'THE CREATOR' Updates Humanity With Technically Brilliant Original Sci-Fi

Good science fiction straddles the line between grappling with contemporary anxieties and reflecting on the essence of humanity, often through non-human characters. Movies such as Blade Runner, Ex Machina, Her, and even Terminator 2 explore the notion that our innate humanity transcends mere flesh and blood. Any truly meaningful exploration of humanity tends to exceed the boundaries of pure science and biology, delving into the metaphysical realms of the soul. Qualities like empathy, love, or even the ability to crack a good joke are as fundamentally human as opposable thumbs or the capacity to biologically reproduce. In one pivotal scene in Gareth Edwards’ stark and striking science fiction film The Creator, the best original sci-fi film in years, a group of American soldiers descend upon a village to extract the location of a concealed weapon. One of the soldier threatens to execute the dog of a trembling little girl unless she gives up information. It’s a stark reminder that humanity often eludes those who are, ostensibly, human themselves.

In the timeline of The Creator, artificial intelligence proliferated during the 1950s, seamlessly integrating into nearly every facet of modern-day life. Synthetic entities tackled household chores, complex manual labor, and even assumed roles in law enforcement and military operations, lightening the load for their human counterparts. But at what cost? In their world, artificial intelligence has reached a critical juncture, inviting reflection from an audience likely grappling with their own understanding of A.I.’s recent explosive evolution. In The Creator‘s world, A.I. represents the next phase in human evolution but whether that should be seen as a collective step forward for all on all planet or an extinction level event is in the eyes of the beholder. Just as Homo sapiens displaced the Neanderthals, these A.I. entities are poised to extinguish the spark of their creators in the eyes of some. This belief, particularly prevalent among future Americans, fuels a prevailing sentiment: they must be eliminated.

Following the A.I.-initiated detonation of an atomic bomb in Los Angeles in the middle of the 21st-century, America waged all out war on artificial intelligence. After a years long campaign to eliminate A.I. within their own borders, the well-armed American forces turn their focus on the rest of the world, in particular the countries of “New Asia” who, despite frequent interference, have learned to live harmoniously with robots, Simulants (or “Sims”), and artificial intelligent beings. Acting as a heavily-armed World Police, American forces set out to annihilate their non-human opponents with extreme prejudice.

On the shores of New Asia, Joshua (John David Washington) is in deep cover, attempting to uncover the identity of Nirmata, the enigmatic figure believed to be the father of artificial intelligence and a guerilla warfare leader. The eponymous Creator, Nirmata is also the parent of Maya (Gemma Chan), a pro-A.I. freedom fighter and Joshua’s “native” wife. Joshua’s cover is blown when U.S. troops arrive, seemingly obliterating the entire resistance force, including his wife, with an orbital weapon of mass destruction, N.O.M.A.D.. A laser-targeting warship that sends shivers down the artificial spines of its adversaries, N.O.M.A.D. spells the outright demise of all non-human powers and is not a far cry from the high-tech weapons America has used on its Eastern enemies in decades past.

Much of the imagery in The Creator harkens back to America’s military campaigns in the Far East, from guerilla warfare in the jungles of Vietnam to the atomic leveling of Japanese cities. Edwards poignantly draws connections to these and other historical events, particularly those involving American-Asian military aggression and their hegemonic “Daddy Knows Best” policies. Setting the action predominantly in the futuristic hustle and bustle and natural locales of New Asia, The Creator not only looks different from most science fiction films but also provides a refreshing opportunity for a predominantly South-East Asian cast of supporting characters to be involved. Against the backdrop of high-tech marvels, lush Southeast Asian jungles, and snow-swept Nepalese mountains, the visual impact is particularly striking and novel, at times surpassing what is accomplished on the written page.

The script from Edwards and Rogue One co-writer Chris Weitz reimagines several science fiction mainstays, effectively remixing familiar ideas into a wholly compelling new package. That is to say, some may call it derivative. While minor concerns persist, primarily related to implied but not explicitly explored elements, the underlying subtext largely compensates for these smaller issues. Thematic gravity, manifested through its profound exploration of humanity’s essence residing in one’s soul rather than their physical form and the battle between the powerless and the powerful, effectively smooths over the occasional rough patches of some familiar narrative beats and common character arcs, giving the film at times even remarkable emotional depth. Surprisingly, for a mainstream blockbuster, The Creator openly critiques the American military complex, leaving no room for ambiguity about their role as the antagonists here.

While some character arcs might appear familiar, Edwards’ meticulous world-building in The Creator enriches its universe, infusing it with vibrancy, authenticity, and careful craftsmanship. Subtle touches, such as A.I. beings recharging during rest or the concept of donating one’s likeness to an A.I. for charity, add depth and authenticity to this fictional world. Edwards boldly showcases his directing prowess, unafraid to take creative risks and construct a narrative sandbox that never feels overly precious. He understands that sometimes, to create, one must destroy, a theme he’s explored in films like Rogue One and Godzilla. This sets him apart from many franchise-driven movies that prioritize preserving their intellectual property over storytelling innovation—a flaw refreshingly absent in The Creator.

Edwards masterfully constructs and deconstructs within the same film, emphasizing that characters making significant sacrifices breathe life and consequence into the action and scene. The audience feels the impact of their decisions because real stakes are at play; it’s not just a setup for a “to be continued” scenario. These decisions help immerse viewers in the story, where actions carry weight, and consequences genuinely matter. His remarkable ability to spin cinematic gold from limited resources takes center stage in his work again here.

Despite a modest $80 million budget, Edwards’s visionary direction elevates the film to a level that outshines productions with budgets two to three times that size. This cost-effective approach not only allowed him to maintain creative control but also ensured his unwavering commitment to preserving his unique vision. Nonetheless, the film’s visual grandeur is nothing short of astonishing, seamlessly blending futuristic aesthetics with an authentic lived-in quality. If there’s one movie you see in IMAX this year, make it The Creator.

From meticulously crafted costumes to cutting-edge effects that breathe life into robots and artificial intelligence, every element exudes excellence. Even Hans Zimmer’s score, initially intended to be replicated by A.I. impersonating Zimmer, emerges as a sweeping and emotionally stirring soundscape that enhances the film’s impact. It might be par for the course for the popular composer but it speaks to why he’s become a household name in the film community. Edwards’ decision to favor the genuine article over AI-generated music serves as a thought-provoking reflection of the current state of artificial intelligence in the real world: the world of The Creator, we are not living in yet!

As Joshua, a biblical reference to the man who delivered his people to the promised land, Washington delivers a performance that surpasses his previous work, revealing a range he hadn’t previously showcased. He masterfully conveys a depth of emotion as well as the ability to anchor action sequences. Unlike his role in Tenet, which left me profoundly disinterested and questioning his suitability as a big-budget leading man, his portrayal in The Creator demonstrates that he can balance both sides of the thespian and action star coin. His profound connection with Alphie, a child A.I. portrayed brilliantly by Madeleine Yuna Voyles, lies at the very heart of The Creator and works to give the film its staying impact.

Within this relationship, the film’s central message resounds powerfully: the essence of a beating heart transcends the superficial distinctions of its origin. Their growing bond underscores the idea that what truly matters isn’t whether or not you’ve been born or programmed, rather the profound purpose that animates that heart and the principles for which it pulsates are more important than anything else. In Edwards’ poignant exploration of humanity’s essence, The Creator reminds us that it is the shared rhythms of compassion, sacrifice, and determination that bind us, whether our hearts beat organically or are born of code and silicon.

CONCLUSION: ‘The Creator’ stands as a testament to technical production mastery, featuring exceptional performances from its entire cast, with John David Washington and young Madeleine Yuna Voyles shining especially bright. Gareth Edwards’ visionary direction breathes life into this emotionally resonant narrative, offering a thought-provoking exploration of humanity within a cruel, captivating, and creatively crafted robo-future.