If the average movie goer was to write down a list of most common extinction level threats which humans face in the apocalyptic dystopian cinema space, zombie outbreaks will probably top the list. Any guesses for the next spot, might go to alien invasions. A closer third will be a takeover by robots. While ‘Terminator’ steals the spot for the most popular movie from the third space, the constant endeavour to find newer dimensions in this sub-genre has yielded some intriguing results in the past. With the way technology has evolved in the last few decades and how it has managed to hold onto our fascination for so long, it’s no wonder the concept provides fertile ground for sci-fi and dystopian cinema lovers and makers.
Mother/Android Movie Cast
- Chloë Grace Moretz as Georgia
- Algee Smith as Sam
- Raúl Castillo as Arthur
- Tamara Hickey as Mrs. Olsen
Mother/Android Movie Review
As the title suggests, ‘Mother/Android’ is the story of a mother, Georgia, struggling to survive in a world where human looking android robots are out to hunt their erstwhile masters, humans. The movie begins with Georgia and her boyfriend, Sam, finding out that she is pregnant. The movie is set against the backdrop of a world where technology has evolved to such an extent where human-like android robots now serve humans as butlers and house maids. And just as when humans were thinking it was a good idea to make slaves out of advanced robots, there’s murder and mayhem happening all over the place.
The androids have finally found their moment of glory and now they are on a killing spree to hunt every human they see. The plan is only one- world domination. This plan happens to coincide with Georgia and Sam’s discovery of the pregnancy. As for Georgia and Sam, they must now get to a safe harbour before the baby comes. While the idea sounds great, unfortunately, it is not something completely unheard before.
A Cliché Idea, packed with Emotions
With the oft played out idea of “humans versus robots”, ‘Mother/Android’ puts the aspect of emotions in the mix and devotes ample time to place “human emotions” at the centre of the story. The movie dedicates a large part of the screen time on focusing on this play of emotions, a characteristic unique to humans. While robots are more capable in every aspect as compared to humans, when it comes to comprehending emotions, they fall short. At least, that’s what we are led to believe. For humans, emotions are what make them “human”. For robots, it’s just a weakness they will do better without. A family’s will to survive and above that, a mother’s grit and dedication to give her baby the best chance to live is placed at direct contrast with the ruthless goals of the android robots.
For Georgia and Sam, the question is not only about their survival, but of their baby’s well-being and future too. For both of the central characters, the sword of conflict is dual edged. Every decision they make will not affect their lives alone. The battle with less odds for survival against a life- threatening android robotic force remains common. For Sam, he faces the added responsibility of taking care of the baby and the mother, while also struggling to gain trust of Georgia. He wants her to consider him as a capable protector, as every father ought to be. For Georgia, her own survival alone is not sufficient. She wants her baby and the father safe too, but importantly, she wishes them all to be together in the end.
One aspect where ‘Mother/Android’ truly lags behind is in its world building. The characters rarely delve into finding out how the world has changed since the “Blitz” (that’s what the D-Day when the robots decided to take over is called). The existing technology is rarely explained in detail and while the story of the movie does not really demand an intense world-building exercise, what ends up in the final cut could prove to be a minor heartbreak for truly hardcover sci-fi lovers. Apart from few shots with some decent CGI, the movie really does not accomplish much in the graphics department.
What really drives the movie forward is the performance of the small cast. Georgia remains the central character by virtue of being the “mother” in the title ‘Mother/Android’ (yes, there are androids too but let’s ignore them for being bad robots). For her credit, Chloe Grace Moretz truly gives a well balanced and convincing performance of a mother who’s being put through physical and emotional turmoil. The emotion which the movie aims to evoke is highly dependent on Chloe’s performance because she remains on the focus of the lens for much of the run time.
Although, by the end of the movie Georgia overachieves a lot for a person who knows very little of what’s happening around her, Georgia remains vulnerable yet resilient throughout towards the challenges she faces and Chloe plays the part perfectly. Algee Smith in the role of a supportive partner to Georgia is equally likeable and convincing. The movie tries to achieve a lot with its limited setting and characters. Its essence lies with the characters and the world of fear and struggle around them untouched by the larger action happening on the background (which, by the way, we know almost nothing of).
‘Mother/Android’ is not another run-of-the-mill action driven sci-fi movie where the robots take over the world or the humans ultimately survive through it all. Instead, the movie remains very less concerned with the fate of humankind. The story is about Georgia, Sam and the baby who’s about to arrive. It’s about their emotions, their struggles and their journey to reach a safe place where they can have a better future, a future they would have had if not for the catastrophic turn of events. The movie takes its time in developing the characters and establishing the bonds they share with each other. The attempt is not to reflect on humanity’s future as many such movies do. The story is about a mother’s affection towards her family and her struggle to make the correct choices in order to survive together. Even with the ambitious post-apocalyptic setting, the movie remains humble in its approach largely.
At places, when the movie tries to achieve adrenaline packed action, it tends to sway away from the deep emotional storyline it focuses on. In the larger outline of the movie, the fast-paced action sequences and random bits of gore here and there prove to be misfits. Although, these fail to undo the good performances of the main cast and the emotional nerve the story clings to with great love.
The Movie Culture Synopsis
While the lack of novelty in its premise could have made ‘Mother/Android’ a rather long and dull affair in the large space of the theatre, the movie seems saved by the much private experience of watching the film on OTT with its emotionally appealing subject and touching performances, along with a well-crafted twist in the climax. If you decide to give ‘Mother/Android’ a watch and know yourself to have a soft spot for evocative family stories, I strictly recommend to skip the popcorn and head for the tissues for this one.
