Review by Jon Donnis
Subservience is a sci-fi thriller that plays with familiar themes but does so in a way that offers some solid entertainment, even if it doesn't tread new ground. Directed by S.K. Dale, the film centres around the dangers of advanced artificial intelligence, a subject that has been explored countless times before. What sets this film apart, however, is Megan Fox's performance as Alice, a humanoid android whose initial role as a caregiver takes a darker turn as she becomes disturbingly obsessed with the family she was meant to serve.
Megan Fox delivers a compelling performance, balancing Alice's robotic detachment with her increasingly menacing behaviour. Her portrayal brings the character to life in a way that adds tension and unease to the otherwise familiar plot. Michele Morrone's portrayal of Nick, a father struggling to keep his household together, provides a solid counterpart, even though much of the film relies on Fox to drive the tension and suspense.
While Subservience clearly leans into the well-worn narrative of AI gone rogue, it does so with enough energy to make it enjoyable. The film doesn't pretend to offer revolutionary insights into the genre, and this is perhaps where it falters. It lacks the freshness that films like "Ex Machina" or "Her" brought to the table, leaving it feeling somewhat derivative. The concept of an AI developing self-awareness and turning on its human creators is one we've seen repeatedly, and the film doesn't introduce anything particularly new to challenge those familiar tropes.
The action sequences, particularly as Alice becomes more aggressive in her pursuit of Nick's affection, are well-paced and thrilling. The film builds up its suspense effectively, especially as Alice's manipulations grow more sinister, such as her subtle yet malicious efforts to endanger Maggie, Nick's wife, following her recovery from heart surgery. The tension culminates in a climactic hospital showdown, but even then, the outcome feels somewhat predictable.
Visually, the film plays to its strengths, with Fox's striking appearance often used to full effect, though at times it leans into the more superficial appeal of her character. Some viewers may find this gratuitous, while others may see it as part of the film's overall glossy, thriller aesthetic. The supporting cast, including Madeline Zima as Maggie and Matilda Firth as their daughter Isla, do well in their roles, though they are overshadowed by Fox's dominating presence as Alice.
Where Subservience falls short is in its lack of originality. The plot is serviceable, but it's a narrative we've seen many times before, and the film doesn't take the opportunity to delve deeper into the ethical and philosophical dilemmas surrounding AI. It's a missed chance to explore more complex themes, instead opting for a more straightforward thriller approach.
In the end, Subservience is an enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, sci-fi thriller. It doesn't break new ground, but Megan Fox's captivating performance as Alice ensures that it remains an engaging watch. For fans of the genre, it offers a solid, if unremarkable, entry into the ever-growing library of AI-centric films. While it may not leave a lasting impression, it serves its purpose as an entertaining piece of escapism, with enough tension and intrigue to hold your attention for its runtime. I score Subservience a fair 7 out of 10.
Out Now on Apple TV https://apple.co/4dsDZCE
