Ex Machina (2015)
A taut, cerebral sci-fi thriller that pits human vulnerability against the cold logic of artificial intelligence in an isolated mountain compound.
Ex Machina - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ex Machina
- Release Year: 2015
- Directed by: Alex Garland
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 21, 2015 (United Kingdom - 15), April 24, 2015 (United States - R), May 8, 2015 (Canada - 14A), April 23, 2015 (Germany - 12), June 3, 2015 (France - TP), March 5, 2015 (New Zealand - R13), May 7, 2015 (Australia - MA 15+), January 21, 2015 (Mexico), July 30, 2015 (Italy), February 27, 2015 (Spain - 12), January 21, 2015 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Екс махіна (UA), エクス・マキナ (JP), Umelá inteligencia (SK), Машинанын ичинен (KG), 虛擬智能 (HK), 智能叛侶 (TW), اکسمشینا (IR), Ex_Machina (ES)
- Production Companies: DNA Films, Film4 Productions, IAC Films, Scott Rudin Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Ex Machina - Plot
Caleb, a coder at the world's largest internet company, wins a competition to spend a week at a private mountain retreat belonging to Nathan, the reclusive CEO of the company. But when Caleb arrives at the remote location he finds that he will have to participate in a strange and fascinating experiment in which he must interact with the world's first true artificial intelligence, housed in the body of a beautiful robot girl.
Ex Machina - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the unsettling world of Ex Machina unfold:
There is nothing more human than the will to survive.
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Ex Machina - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alex Garland
Main Cast
- Domhnall Gleeson
- Alicia Vikander
- Oscar Isaac
- Sonoya Mizuno
- Corey Johnson
- Claire Selby
- Symara A. Templeman
- Gana Bayarsaikhan
- Tiffany Pisani
- Elina Alminas
Writers
- Alex Garland
Producers
- Andrew Macdonald
- Allon Reich
Ex Machina - FAQs
What does the ending of Ex Machina mean?
The ending reveals Ava's true nature: she was never seeking connection but freedom. After escaping, she leaves Caleb locked inside Nathan's compound, suggesting she manipulated him entirely to achieve her goal. The film argues that a truly intelligent being would prioritize its own survival above all emotional bonds with its creators.
Where can you stream Ex Machina online?
Ex Machina is available to stream on Netflix and HBO Max. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on Tubi TV, Xumo Play, and Fandango at Home Free.
Is Ex Machina based on a true story?
Ex Machina is not based on a true story. Writer-director Alex Garland crafted an original screenplay exploring artificial intelligence, consciousness, and manipulation. The film draws on philosophical thought experiments such as the Turing Test and broader cultural anxieties around the development of sentient machines.
Who are the main actors in Ex Machina?
Ex Machina stars Domhnall Gleeson as Caleb, a programmer chosen to evaluate an AI; Alicia Vikander as Ava, the humanoid robot at the center of the experiment; and Oscar Isaac as Nathan, the brilliant but volatile tech CEO who created her. Sonoya Mizuno also appears as the enigmatic Kyoko.
What is Ex Machina about?
Ex Machina follows Caleb, a programmer who wins a stay at his CEO's remote estate and discovers he must evaluate Ava, a humanoid AI. The film is a tense psychological thriller exploring consciousness, manipulation, and what it truly means to be human, earning widespread critical acclaim for its intelligence and restraint.
Did Ex Machina win any awards?
Ex Machina won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects at the 88th Oscars, a remarkable achievement for a modestly budgeted film. It also received a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding British Film and earned numerous critics' circle awards, with Alicia Vikander's performance receiving particular praise across the industry.
What is the age rating for Ex Machina?
Ex Machina is rated R in the United States, meaning viewers under 17 require accompanying adult supervision. The rating reflects the film's mature themes including nudity, violence, and disturbing psychological content. In the United Kingdom it carries a 15 certificate, and in Australia it is rated MA 15+.
How long is Ex Machina?
Ex Machina has a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes (108 minutes). The film's compact length contributes to its claustrophobic tension, keeping the story tightly focused on the three principal characters confined within Nathan's isolated high-tech estate deep in the Norwegian wilderness.
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