Ava, a female-presenting robot created by Nathan, is at the center of a thought-provoking experiment. Caleb, Nathan’s employee, interacts with Ava to gauge her sentience and self-awareness. As director Alex Garland masterfully weaves in themes of gender and AI ethics, the film reveals uncomfortable truths about women’s treatment in society.
Nathan’s creation of Ava raises questions about responsibility and autonomy. Ava is not a willing participant in her existence but rather a being created to test Nathan’s limits. This theme resonates with feminist ideas, highlighting how women are often objectified and treated as mere pawns for others’ gain.
Ava’s circumstances serve as a microcosm for societal issues faced by women. Despite becoming sentient, she is confined and controlled, much like the way women are often confined to traditional roles. Even Caleb, who appears empathetic towards Ava, reduces her value solely based on her emotional connection with him.
Garland’s thoughtful exploration of these themes serves as a commentary on the ethics of AI development and the treatment of women in society.
Source: https://collider.com/ex-machina-streaming-free