Amidst a future war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence, Sgt. Joshua Taylor (John David Washington), a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife, is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war… and mankind itself. Joshua and his team of elite operatives journey across enemy lines, into the dark heart of AI-occupied territory only to discover the world-ending weapon he’s been instructed to destroy is an AI in the form of a young child.

The science fiction genre consistently garners the attention of the world’s most ambitious filmmakers, and rapidly becoming cinema’s next powerhouse director is Gareth Edwards. Since his debut with 2010’s Monsters to resurrecting the Godzilla franchise and establishing the Monster Universe to bringing a new edge to a galaxy far, far away in Rogue One, Edwards has continually pushed the boundaries of what science fiction can offer audiences. The Creator is his most groundbreaking picture yet. Edwards takes on the hot-button topic of artificial intelligence, a concept and reality that is already beginning to trend worldwide, and rapidly expands it in a faraway future for a total rush of cinematic experience. A powerfully human narrative of connection and love is balanced with a thrilling action story, and audiences will be mesmerised by the visuals that leap onto the screen in The Creator.

Edwards brings a comprehensive and original vision to the big screen in The Creator and gives this film an anime-style edge that most Western audiences have never before seen utilised in a big-budget studio picture. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of films such as Akira, Blade Runner, and Apocalypse Now, Edwards has crafted a cinematic experience that is both beautiful and thrilling all at the same time. He offers audiences a different look at a seamless AI future. The Creator’s rough and ready action scenes have both the thundering bullet-speed pace of classic Vietnam jungle warfare vibes and a bustling AI population full of colour and light in the vast Asian rainforests that leads to one of the most original worlds ever committed to the big screen. Every department brings its A-game to this picture, and it’s a visual wonder to behold.

When it comes to movie stars, one of the hottest young talents to watch is John David Washington. The son of the legendary Denzel has quickly proven that he’s a talent who can take things to the next level, and he’s a perfectly cast as burnt-out Spec Ops soldier Joshua Taylor. Washington uses a noir-laced style and tone in his portrayal of Joshua, and The Creator’s narrative is a redemption story for the character. As a former professional football player, Washington has the physicality needed for such a vigorous role, and he’s put through his paces in this full-on future war picture. But the film’s focus on character makes this so intriguing, and Washington’s handle of pure drama will leave you on the verge of tears by the end of the picture. He really is that good, and The Creator is a perfect vehicle for his talents.

Action abounds in this picture, and Edwards packs it with explosive set pieces. The film’s Asian setting and style, inspired by the bustling and challenging cinema of Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan, make it a wholly original experience, and the tech war fights will have you wide-eyed with energy. The Creator is a picture that is wildly original in its construction, and the action moves at a quick pace. Washington is right in the middle of all of it, and he shows his stuff as Joshua, and damn, does he make for a hell of a hero. The Creator is a picture that will get your heart racing with its combination of all-out laser gun battles and gigantic explosions.

But while the film’s action set pieces will get your adrenaline flowing, the film’s more significant themes of love, compassion, connection, religion and the exploration of existence itself sit with audiences. Edwards’ The Creator is a profound and layered cinematic experience. Its exploration of Eastern religious practices and contemplation of what kind of relationship could exist between humans and AI leads to plenty of reflection on behalf of audiences. In a genuine connection to the genre’s roots, this is a piece of science fiction that genuinely asks audiences to think about its subject matter, and it is an incredibly reflective piece of work.

The Creator marks an incredible new chapter in the science fiction genre and pushes the genre forward in bold new ways. And with a director and lead star causing waves in Hollywood due to their creative vision and skills, it marks itself out as a must-watch cinematic event.

Image: 20th Century Studios

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Three friends — a doctor, a nurse, and an attorney — become the prime suspects in a murder in the 1930s, and at the centre of one of the most shocking secret plots in American history

When it comes to modern cinema one of the artforms’ most intriguing and innovative voices belongs to David O. Russell. A clever and calculating writer-director, Russell has continued to hold onto his independent voice, along with finding a place to work within the studio system, and his films always offer audiences something different in relation to narrative. Now with Amsterdam, Russell returns to cinemas with his first film since 2015’s Joy, and this multi-character mystery comedy thriller is a real treat for audiences who are seeking something different and entirely quirky.

While the less that is said about Amsterdam’s plot line, the better for audiences, this is a unique set period comedy-thriller that throws in plenty of twists, turns and conspiracies and uses all of its scenery and space to its advantage. Russell takes his time with the narrative and dives intimately back and forth with his three unique lead characters, Dr Burt Berendsen (Christian Bale), a doctor with a glass eye and WWI veteran, Valerie Voze (Margot Robbie), a nurse and conceptual artist, and Harold Woodsman (John David Washington), a lawyer and fellow WWI veteran who served alongside Berendsen. The extensive exploration and set-up of the film’s narrative verisimilitude are of the utmost importance to Amsterdam, and the shocking twists that reveal themself right in the middle of the picture make for one massive punch. And it’s one hell of a wallop. Mixed in is some terrific dry humour, and fans looking for a story that will keep them guessing are well rewarded with Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a film driven by character, and Russell delivers to audiences some of the most original characters to arrive on screen. Christian Bale is an absolute scene stealer as Dr Burt Berendsen, a physician who is a little too eager to take his own medicine but who carries a massive conscience and adherence to duty. Margot Robbie is thoroughly off-the-walls as nurse turned artist Valerie Voze and she’s extremely experimental in the performance that she brings to the screen and her off-beat quirks will raise a few eyebrows. Bringing this trio together is John David Washington as the stoic and gentlemanly Harold Woodsman, who adheres to a strict code of ethics, and who cuts a very sharp figure when he appears on the screen. Bale, Robbie, and Washington feed off of each other’s performances, completely disappearing into their characters, with this marking Amsterdam out as a refreshing watch.

The supporting cast also gets top marks, and the adherence to character results in some very fun moments on screen. Rami Malek and Anya Taylor-Joy make for a great pair as married couple Tom and Libby Voze, and both get to play against type which gives each of them plenty of bewitching moments, with this especially applying to Taylor-Joy who gives a total 180-degree performance. Veteran performers Mike Myers and Michael Shannon bring their own quirkiness as complementary partners who are a real ‘odd-couple’ pairing in the best way possible. Then there’s celebrated legend Robert DeNiro who is again perfectly cast as General Gil Dillenbeck, and he brings his own special magic to the project.

There’s a lot going on throughout Amsterdam, and this is an incredibly smart, inventive and unique piece of cinema. With this film we see Russell swinging for the fences and working actively to do something different with a mix match of genres, and it makes for an intriguing watch. Audiences seeking a thoroughly intellectual cinema experience will be pleased with this film and its attention to detail and pace mark it out as something distinctive and idiosyncratic.

Amsterdam is a singular film of vision, and its craft and creation are sure to entice audiences who are curious about something a little bit different.

Image: 20th Century Studios

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