Automata (2014)
A brooding sci-fi thriller set in a dying world where one man's investigation into rogue robots unravels the future of human civilization.
Automata - Movie Information
- Original Title: Autómata
- Release Year: 2014
- Directed by: Gabe Ibáñez
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Thriller, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 9, 2014 (United Kingdom - 15), October 10, 2014 (United States - R), April 28, 2015 (Germany - 12), November 14, 2014 (Australia - M), February 26, 2015 (Italy - T), January 23, 2015 (Spain - 12), October 10, 2014 (China)
- Alternative Titles: Automata (US), Agente do Futuro (BR), Automata (UK), Automata (BE), 机器纪元 (CN), ล่าจักรกล ยึดอนาคต (TH), 奖圖玫境 (TW), Autómata (FR)
- Production Companies: Green Moon Productions, Nu Boyana Viburno
- Production Countries: Bulgaria, Spain
Automata - Plot
Jacq Vaucan, an insurance agent of ROC robotics corporation, routinely investigates the case of manipulating a robot. What he discovers will have profound consequences for the future of humanity.
Automata - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the dystopian world of Automata come to life:
Your time is coming to an end – Ours is now beginning
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Automata - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gabe Ibáñez
Main Cast
- Antonio Banderas
- Melanie Griffith
- Birgitte Hjort Sørensen
- Dylan McDermott
- Robert Forster
- Tim McInnerny
- Andy Nyman
- David Ryall
- Geraldine Somerville
- Andrew Tiernan
Writers
- Gabe Ibáñez
- Javier Sánchez Donate
- Igor Legarreta
Producers
- Danny Lerner
- Sandra Hermida
- Antonio Banderas
- Les Weldon
Automata - FAQs
What is Automata about?
Automata follows Jacq Vaucan, an insurance investigator for a robotics corporation, who uncovers something deeply unsettling while probing a routine case of robot tampering. Set in a decaying 2044 Earth ravaged by solar storms, the film explores what happens when machines begin evolving beyond their programmed limits — and what that means for humanity's survival.
Do the robots in Automata actually become self-aware?
Yes — and that's the heart of the film. The robots, governed by two strict protocols, begin modifying themselves and each other, suggesting genuine self-directed evolution. Rather than turning violent, they seek autonomy and survival. It's a quieter, more philosophical take on machine consciousness than most sci-fi films dare to attempt.
Where can you stream Automata right now?
You can stream Automata for free on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, YouTube Free, The CW, Kanopy, and Hoopla. It's also available on Amazon Prime Video and The Roku Channel. If you prefer to own it, it's available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
What does the ending of Automata mean?
The ending sees Jacq help the robots escape into the desert, effectively choosing their future over humanity's control. It's deliberately ambiguous — a passing of the torch rather than a war. The film suggests that evolution, whether biological or mechanical, cannot be stopped, and that acceptance may be the only dignified response.
Who are the main actors in Automata?
Antonio Banderas leads the cast as insurance investigator Jacq Vaucan. Melanie Griffith voices the robot Cleo and also plays Dr. Susan Dupré. The supporting cast includes Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Dylan McDermott, Robert Forster, and Tim McInnerny, rounding out a strong ensemble for this dystopian thriller.
Is Automata similar to Blade Runner or I, Robot?
Automata draws clear inspiration from Blade Runner's moody, decaying-world aesthetic and shares thematic DNA with I, Robot's exploration of robotic laws and their limits. Films like I Am Mother, Chappie, and The Machine also make great companion watches if you enjoy this style of thoughtful, atmosphere-driven sci-fi.
Was Automata a box office success?
Not quite. Made on a modest $7 million budget, Automata earned around $6.2 million at the box office, falling just short of breaking even theatrically. Despite the underwhelming commercial performance, the film found a dedicated audience on home video and streaming, where its slow-burn sci-fi atmosphere is better appreciated.
Where was Automata filmed?
Automata was filmed primarily in Bulgaria, with production handled through Nu Boyana studios near Sofia — a facility known for hosting international genre productions. The stark, sun-bleached desert landscapes that define the film's visual identity were achieved through a combination of location shooting and production design, giving the dystopian future a convincingly desolate feel.
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