Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Creator’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Madeline Voyles as Alphie in 20th Century Studios' THE CREATOR. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Creator’. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the motion picture being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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There is a great deal of fear in our world right now, courtesy of a plethora of problems/scenarios surrounding us. For instance, the fight to remove the freedoms of so many, has us wondering what our nations will look like tomorrow. Not to mention, the divide between the wealthy and well, everyone else, has us fearful of what the economy and our financial future will look like with only a handful of people in control of the planet’s wealth. Not to mention, inaction from so many governments regarding climate change has us scared for our future as a species and our fears don’t end there. Because we are also staying up late at night, worrying about what technology is going to transform into, courtesy of the advent of artificial intelligence. Simply because… we haven’t a clue what A.I. will become, for we are in essence unleashing a program that can grow and learn about humanity without any checks and balances, and that is indeed scary, since we simply don’t how it will react to what it will learn of us.
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Which has of course, allowed for many stories and theories to be created and posed that speak to how such unfettered access to humanity’s better angels and rotten demons could be disastrous. To the point where we would be no longer be deemed worthy of being on this Earth and it instead, would take over. And some would say those fears are being realized. Since it knows how to aggregate our words and our art and has made attempts to replicate what the human brain trains to create. To the point where protections are finally being put in place to stave off and control what some believe to be inevitable. But if it is indeed only a matter of time before artificial intelligence is part of our everyday lives , then perhaps the time has come to face our fears and confront artificial intelligence and its potential. To understand it and perhaps learn if by chance we can peacefully coexist, and who knows… we may be surprised at what we learn about these fears and what is really driving them, and well… that more thoughtful aspect regarding our fears concerning A.I. is top of mind today, simply because a new motion picture in theaters dives deep into those worries in The Creator.

A feat that this film accomplishes by taking us into a future, where the inevitable has happened, and artificial intelligence has become part of our daily lives. To the point where it has progressed into androids that resemble people and where those very androids toil about like the rest of us as well. That is until disaster strikes in Los Angeles, at the hands of A.I. no less, and that leads to a grand battle between humanity and their creation. One where the United States leads the charge, and of course, American might will stop at nothing to vanquish its foe. To the point where those in charge, ask a seasoned veteran of this war against A.I. to rejoin the cause one last time, despite the traumas he suffered in his first tours against machinery… in the hopes of ending this war for all time. But once Joshua finds himself behind enemy lines again, does he come to learn the folly of this war and of our fears, and that prompts him to make a powerful choice, one that will shape the future of man and machine in a way no one ever thought possible. 

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Which is… a plot that first glance… really does seem to be more of the same. Man creates A.I., A.I. learns that man is awful and makes hard decisions. But that folly aspect of the war, wherein Joshua is able to see what artificial intelligence could actually become in a world where it is fully integrated with human beings and shepherded, brings forth the powerful examination regarding our fears of A.I. in question. For this is a film that ponders deeply upon some greater questions. In that, is it the creation of artificial life that we deeply fear? Or is it that we will be making an artificial being or beings, in our own image. One that currently is filled with fury and insecurity, and an inability to sometimes ignore the need to resolve our own inner demons. Which in turn could create creatures that would resent us and hate us the way we resent and hate one another, and that absolutely would give rise to monsters that resemble us in all the wrong ways. For they are in fact, programmed and designed to learn what is in front of them… so perhaps… it is our own shortcomings we fear.
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That in turn means… that if we want to keep this bold and burgeoning new technology in check, it might be best for us… to become something more, something better. Beings that inspire, really, and if we did that… what then would a being designed to learn about us become? But of course… we won’t be spoiling the answers to any of those questions because you need to experience that in person. But what we can say is that those questions alone, and that plot, brings forth one of the most refreshing and fascinating, and downright original films of the year. For this is that ultra-rare artificial intelligence story that challenges humanity for a change and asks us if we are truly ready to give life to a new species, and what it might take to be ready if we are not. Which gives rise to moments that would make Asimov or Bradbury proud since they ponder deeply upon concepts that we aren’t talking about at the moment, and quite frankly should be. Since that would likely remove fear from our hearts and allow for us to think upon A.I. in a more serious and responsible manner.

But while it is incredible to ponder upon such unique concepts, make no mistake about it… this movie has more to offer than philosophy. For this is a grand and sweeping science fiction epic, one that envisions our future in a realistic manner and offers breathtaking visuals and moments that drop your jaw with their sheer majesty and beauty. Not to mention, it also has commentary to offer on our modern world, specifically, the American war machine and the concept/folly of American excellence. But of course, none of this works without quality performances, the kind that can sell this world and the experiences of the characters and you’ll thankfully find that here too. For the cast is simply phenomenal in their roles, with Madeline Voyles (Alphie) and John David Washington (Joshua) leading the charge in this story, since they bring real emotional depth and realism to their characters and really… in the end… all of these elements bring forth a must-see feature. Because this is science fiction and its finest and it offers something for everyone and stays with you long after the credits have come to a close, thanks to a powerhouse story that prompts us to address a long-standing fear.

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