As a sci-fi fan, I found this admittedly derivative film extremely enjoyable. It is stylishly shot, directed and acted with aplomb by the attractive and enigmatic leads of Theo James and Stacy Martin. Indeed, the latter is well cast in her role who is both ambiguous, childlike and yet empathetic all at the same time. The wonderful Toby Jones also turns up in an extended cameo just to give it that bit extra. If you want wham, bang, action this is definitely not for you. However, if you enjoy psychological, moody sci-fi with stunning visuals then there is much you will enjoy. It is very 'Twilight Zone' with an ending I didn't anticipate.
348 Reviews
Emotion not action
nancyldraper3 April 2021
I didn't think a story about artificial intelligence could be so heartbreaking. If you aren't willing to be emotionally invested in this film then don't bother to start it. It has a good premise and some interesting themes. The acting is solid. I give this film a 7 (good) out of 10. {SciFi, Thriller, Drama}
Impressive production design and an unexpected climactic twist save an otherwise predictable sci-fi drama! [+61%]
arungeorge1312 October 2020
Not quite in the league of sci-fi brilliance as Ex-Machina or Blade Runner 2049, Archive has an interesting (yet familiar) premise that features humans and artificial intelligence. George, an A.I. scientist, is trying to upload his dead wife's conscience into one of his brilliant android creations. In the process, he has created two prototypes - a bulky one with the intelligence of a toddler, and another smaller, leaner version with the brains of a teenager. Both the prototypes (treated as sisters) develop a connection with their creator. George, however, wants to build a 3rd and final prototype which has the potential to perfectly carry his wife's sensibilities and demeanor.
The story gets a little dramatic in the middle portions, with one of the prototypes feeling jealous of her creator's newfound enticement with his latest, brainiest android. There's also the evil corporate angle which only drives the film faster towards its finale, but what catches you off-guard is that incredible last-minute twist. It leaves the door open for repeat viewings and multiple interpretations. Since Archive takes the predictable route to get to this cracker of a twist, it doesn't get a rating more than what's currently assigned.
Theo James is ideally cast as George; to think this is a film that's primarily about a human living in an isolated lab with 3 robots, James pulls off the stoicism quite well. His relaxed self in those flashback sequences with his wife proved to be an informal breather in an otherwise sober film. The production design and special effects certainly deserve applause.
The story gets a little dramatic in the middle portions, with one of the prototypes feeling jealous of her creator's newfound enticement with his latest, brainiest android. There's also the evil corporate angle which only drives the film faster towards its finale, but what catches you off-guard is that incredible last-minute twist. It leaves the door open for repeat viewings and multiple interpretations. Since Archive takes the predictable route to get to this cracker of a twist, it doesn't get a rating more than what's currently assigned.
Theo James is ideally cast as George; to think this is a film that's primarily about a human living in an isolated lab with 3 robots, James pulls off the stoicism quite well. His relaxed self in those flashback sequences with his wife proved to be an informal breather in an otherwise sober film. The production design and special effects certainly deserve applause.
Decent effort on most fronts.
trainman26919 July 2020
I was just going to let this pass by, untill reading an interview with the director. Which drove me to this.
First the good. Slow burning but not too slow, good cinematography, decent acting. The robots J1 and J2 are excellent. Character development in the first 2/3rd's is good. The last 3rd let's it down, the shock ending is anything but a shock and simply burns the first parts down. I think the Toby Jones scene finished it for me in retrospect. Nothing to do with his performance which is great work as always, but it demonstrates the lack of closure the film winds up at by pulling the same tired twist as other, better works.
Hint. When being interviewed about your tripe filled film that ends with a tried and tested one, don't tell us you burned all the usual tropes in your search for originality.
A pity, as the emotional nuances provided by the bots ARE really good, it deserved a more eloquent ending to match the set up, which is done well. A solid 7.5.
First the good. Slow burning but not too slow, good cinematography, decent acting. The robots J1 and J2 are excellent. Character development in the first 2/3rd's is good. The last 3rd let's it down, the shock ending is anything but a shock and simply burns the first parts down. I think the Toby Jones scene finished it for me in retrospect. Nothing to do with his performance which is great work as always, but it demonstrates the lack of closure the film winds up at by pulling the same tired twist as other, better works.
Hint. When being interviewed about your tripe filled film that ends with a tried and tested one, don't tell us you burned all the usual tropes in your search for originality.
A pity, as the emotional nuances provided by the bots ARE really good, it deserved a more eloquent ending to match the set up, which is done well. A solid 7.5.
Intelligent science fiction
Tweekums29 May 2022
This science fiction film is set in the year 2038; protagonist George Almore is working alone on a humanoid artificial intelligence at a remote facility in Japan. He has three prototypes each more advanced than the previous; J1 has a childlike intelligence and an armless boxy appearance; J2 is more capable, has arms but is still fairly boxlike... J3 however has a far more human appearance; it is just waiting for its legs to be attached. J3 also bears a noticeable resemblance to Jules, George's late wife. Before the fatal accident George had Jules's conscience copied to a commercial computer system; this enables him to continue conversing with her even though he knows it won't work forever; the signal gets gradually weaker. As George works to complete J3 he encounters some problems; jot least the fact that J2 appears to be jealous.
When I started watching this I had no idea what to expect and early only I suspected it may develop in similar ways to 'Ex Machina', which I really enjoyed... it didn't but I still enjoyed it more so for being original. The story develops in interesting ways and ultimately delivers an ending that was a complete surprise. I liked how the film is ostensibly about robots but in reality is more about the human condition and coping with the death of a loved one. The cast is solid; most obviously Theo James as George and Stacy Martin as J3/Jules... in most scenes these are the only two characters. The effects used are impressive without being distracting. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of science fiction looking for something that makes you think.
When I started watching this I had no idea what to expect and early only I suspected it may develop in similar ways to 'Ex Machina', which I really enjoyed... it didn't but I still enjoyed it more so for being original. The story develops in interesting ways and ultimately delivers an ending that was a complete surprise. I liked how the film is ostensibly about robots but in reality is more about the human condition and coping with the death of a loved one. The cast is solid; most obviously Theo James as George and Stacy Martin as J3/Jules... in most scenes these are the only two characters. The effects used are impressive without being distracting. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of science fiction looking for something that makes you think.
Another Sci-FI Stepford wives
telllaura14 October 2020
Why don't women create menbotts? Even if it's their lost love? I was really their would be some twist to this tired Dr. Frankenstein creates a simple young female/Stepford wife.
I loved the beta/analog future past meets future future feel of it all and I really hoped that it would prove me wrong. The end had a twist but it wasn't what I had hoped. It's like it ran out of steam (or budget) and wrapped up the last 5 minutes nearly in a twist that also felt tired.
Minimalist dialogue didn't help the story as is but it could have been a great commentary had they chose a different direction. There were some creative ideas for the tech though that made it more believable- sorta.
Not a bad movie just a tired story even with the lazy twist.
Fantastic sci-fi movie, best I've seen since Ex Machina
vithiet11 July 2020
I expect a lot of people will compare this to Ex Machina, and for good reasons. Excellent story, interesting character development, great acting and directing, this is definitely the kind of smart, evenly paced sci-fi I love (if you're expecting explosions, lasers and flying car chases, you're gonna have a bad time...).
While it may be using familiar tropes and the occasional cliche, this truly is a 7/10 throughout that earns its 8th star in the last 15 min. Highly recommended, especially for sci-fi fans!
Essentially a looonng episode of black mirror
shbs-7159416 July 2020
Essentially a long episode of black mirror so not a bad thing, a nice sharp pair of scissors in the director's hands would have been a good thing. Santa Claus are you listening? Well, next time.
Good acting, metaphors, twists, turns, etc. Note that the robots he's built are all ersatz wives.....
Good acting, metaphors, twists, turns, etc. Note that the robots he's built are all ersatz wives.....
Great design, and that's about it
bluenotejazz-6494611 July 2020
I caught this at a Drive-In double feature with "Palm Springs." I think that pairing made this pale in comparison.
I will say that I was VERY impressed with the production design and the special effects; nothing looked cheesy or unrealistic (I haven't found any budget information anywhere yet). And that's about it. Theo James has the looks of a young De Niro or James Franco from time to time, but he (or his character) is quite charmless.
It's strange that this reminded me of "Moon" so much, when you consider that the director of this film worked on "Moon" back in 2009. But that film is buoyed by an engrossing Sam Rockwell performance. And "Ex Machina" has the balance of Domnhall Gleeson and Oscar Issac's performances. Theo James can't really anchor this whole movie. The other actors are fine, but seem ornamental.
This is above-average for its design, but middle-of-the-road for just about everything else.
I will say that I was VERY impressed with the production design and the special effects; nothing looked cheesy or unrealistic (I haven't found any budget information anywhere yet). And that's about it. Theo James has the looks of a young De Niro or James Franco from time to time, but he (or his character) is quite charmless.
It's strange that this reminded me of "Moon" so much, when you consider that the director of this film worked on "Moon" back in 2009. But that film is buoyed by an engrossing Sam Rockwell performance. And "Ex Machina" has the balance of Domnhall Gleeson and Oscar Issac's performances. Theo James can't really anchor this whole movie. The other actors are fine, but seem ornamental.
This is above-average for its design, but middle-of-the-road for just about everything else.
Boring, late-entrant in an over-saturated genre
Gorillaboi18 July 2020
Another run-of-the-mill A.I. movie about a secluded man obsessed with re-creating life in a metal body. Usually those films can be thought-provoking and innovative. But this one isn't. And results in a dry, meaningless plot with boring characters. It even has its own abysmal attempt at the Ex-Machina dance scene.
But with that said, there is one very good touch to this movie. One that's unfortunately let down by the other 95% (that doesn't allow it to have the impact that it perhaps should have done). A nice idea, but poorly executed.
Also, this movie is a perfect example of how NOT to use a score (music). More producers need to understand that it's not necessary to fill every second of a movie with an over-bearing score in the background. Because in doing so, the viewer loses the ability to notice which parts of the film something profound, sad, exciting, revealing or exciting is about to happen. The whole movie is filled with futuristic sci-fi ambience music; making every scene/segment of the movie feel exactly the same. Not helpful when the entire plot of the film is already set in one compound with very limited characters. It makes the whole viewing experience even more boring.
If the producers of this film need to learn how to use the score correctly, refer to Moon (2009) and how it used Clint Mansell's masterful soundtrack.
But with that said, there is one very good touch to this movie. One that's unfortunately let down by the other 95% (that doesn't allow it to have the impact that it perhaps should have done). A nice idea, but poorly executed.
Also, this movie is a perfect example of how NOT to use a score (music). More producers need to understand that it's not necessary to fill every second of a movie with an over-bearing score in the background. Because in doing so, the viewer loses the ability to notice which parts of the film something profound, sad, exciting, revealing or exciting is about to happen. The whole movie is filled with futuristic sci-fi ambience music; making every scene/segment of the movie feel exactly the same. Not helpful when the entire plot of the film is already set in one compound with very limited characters. It makes the whole viewing experience even more boring.
If the producers of this film need to learn how to use the score correctly, refer to Moon (2009) and how it used Clint Mansell's masterful soundtrack.
Great sisuals - but the same old AI story rehashed a bit
Xavier_Stone13 July 2020
The special effects and drone camera work are great and this film could have been amazing. A poor worn out story line about AI and it's usual drawbacks are given a slight variant but it's mostly similar to other movies with the same subject line; and requiring a single actor to carry 90% of the film.
Moon with Sam Rockwell did it best and this tries to match the effort with sub par results. Perhaps we all can agree that this avenue is a wrap and move onto another aspect with AI movies.
Moon with Sam Rockwell did it best and this tries to match the effort with sub par results. Perhaps we all can agree that this avenue is a wrap and move onto another aspect with AI movies.
Pioneering central idea, raises important bioethical issues, recommended to everyone!
Mivas_Greece4 December 2020
Science fiction film / drama. Another addition to the artificial intelligence and robotics films, among which was Ex Machina, which focused on the pursuit of artificial intelligence freedom and slightly on romance, only this one goes much further. It focuses on deeper and more serious bioethical issues, such as how one could hold the consciousness of a person who has actually "gone" for a bit longer by storing it in the "archive", a system where one could communicate with one phone call. The "consciousness" would gradually weaken until it was completely lost. Through these calls, one could get more time and to properly say goodbye to loved ones that are gone. But what would be the essence of this consciousness? It would have e.g. soul, or would it be a mere imprint of the dead, memories, thoughts, images etc? If consciousness still existed could we say that the beloved ones are not dead yet? What if someone took it even further and tried to store consciousness in robots to keep their beloved ones? So the film raises serious issues for the first time and despite the slow pace that characterizes the films of the genre in general, it is a pioneer in the genre and has a huge plot twist at the end that reminds of the movie "6th sense" with Bruce Willis. Of the films of this genre, Ex Machina is clearly one of the most well-known, but of much value is now the much older film with Robin Williams, the Bicentennial Man (1999), which I recommend as a reference film to artificial intelligence. Although it does not reach the top overall, due to the pioneering central idea it is remarkable and recommended to everyone.
Bad acting, extreme contrasting, and too many Koi...
realityinmind16 July 2020
Basically sums it up. The overuse of koi reminds me of a 1st year tattoo artist's shop. And NO, it is not comparable to Ex-Machina.
Pros:
-Good cinematography -Great CGI (sometimes it blends so well you can't tell what is real and fake) -Fresh take on an old sci-fi story -Superb attention to detail -It is easy to become emotionally vested in the two main AI -The soundtrack has some great instrumental music but when the tracks with lyrics play I wanted to stab myself in the ears with a pencil ("Its good to wake up! Brush your teeth! Tie your shoes! I like to eat breakfast!" smfh)
Cons:
-Main character is a horrible actor -No reason to become emotionally vested in the actual human -The script has some weak dialogue -The chick is a horrible dancer -Plot holes out the wazhoo (though that is expected with a sci-fi movie) -Wtf is up with all the extreme contrasting??? It creates such bland environments when everything is artificially white. -TOO MANY KOI - no way people in the future care that much about goldfish
Overall I couldn't get over the fact that he had created these AI that looked like giant microwaves, yet was able to create a human-like AI. Why did he purposely create a human-like AI that looked nothing like a human? Smh clearly he wasn't prepared to live in the real world with his wife.
Pros:
-Good cinematography -Great CGI (sometimes it blends so well you can't tell what is real and fake) -Fresh take on an old sci-fi story -Superb attention to detail -It is easy to become emotionally vested in the two main AI -The soundtrack has some great instrumental music but when the tracks with lyrics play I wanted to stab myself in the ears with a pencil ("Its good to wake up! Brush your teeth! Tie your shoes! I like to eat breakfast!" smfh)
Cons:
-Main character is a horrible actor -No reason to become emotionally vested in the actual human -The script has some weak dialogue -The chick is a horrible dancer -Plot holes out the wazhoo (though that is expected with a sci-fi movie) -Wtf is up with all the extreme contrasting??? It creates such bland environments when everything is artificially white. -TOO MANY KOI - no way people in the future care that much about goldfish
Overall I couldn't get over the fact that he had created these AI that looked like giant microwaves, yet was able to create a human-like AI. Why did he purposely create a human-like AI that looked nothing like a human? Smh clearly he wasn't prepared to live in the real world with his wife.
Devastatingly Impactful
marydm-4347024 June 2022
OK, 10 stars are just not enough for a film so off the scale as this.
The ending was such a slap in the face cinematically speaking, I will never ever assume I know what I'm watching until the end of a film next time around.
Nah, I'm not spoiling it, just suffice it to say that I rewatched it immediately to make sure I hadn't misunderstood.
And then the whole thing fell into place, every Sci Fi trope I had recognized while watching ending up upturned on its head.
And all this achieved with obviously a modest budget, but with special effects, editing and acting all top notch. The power of less is more.
And the characters as warm as a kitten purring in your lap. Incredibly convincing characters, real, flawed and full of living warmth. Making the ending all the more gobsmacking.
Fantastic job all round, hugely watchable and impactful cinema. Bravo!
The ending was such a slap in the face cinematically speaking, I will never ever assume I know what I'm watching until the end of a film next time around.
Nah, I'm not spoiling it, just suffice it to say that I rewatched it immediately to make sure I hadn't misunderstood.
And then the whole thing fell into place, every Sci Fi trope I had recognized while watching ending up upturned on its head.
And all this achieved with obviously a modest budget, but with special effects, editing and acting all top notch. The power of less is more.
And the characters as warm as a kitten purring in your lap. Incredibly convincing characters, real, flawed and full of living warmth. Making the ending all the more gobsmacking.
Fantastic job all round, hugely watchable and impactful cinema. Bravo!
Depressing and derivative, prolonged Black Mirror episode
perica-4315120 June 2021
While the twist is entirely predictable, the movie does not bring much new compared to some Black Mirror episodes. A bit like The Moon or Ex Machina, it is watchable, if drawn out, but fails to be too impressive. It does have unsettling and depressive atmosphere to it, but since it is ultimately a derivative work that brings little new in terms of ideas - or execution, or even the ambient and atmosphere, it falls a bit flat.
Great visuals predictably disappointing ending
maj-6916116 July 2020
Archive started with so much promise. The story was intriguing to start but lost its way trying to incorporate genre cliches, easter eggs, and or homages to other movies. What many people took as visual extensions to the narrative of the film, "which are breathtaking" they are little more then space fillers and do nothing more for the film then allow to create your narrative within those silent moments. This can be very useful is some films, ie. (The Shining, or interstellar) this is not one of them. There is a clear path set out for you that is abruptly taken off course for an (upgrade) esque ending but fails to connect it to the rest of the movie. The larger entities in the movie lack depth therefore are left to the viewer to interpret. The lead is the most forgettable character as the robots show more humanity the he does, which I thought was the underlying storyline. I enjoyed j2 as she grappled with the reality of her existence and relationship to the lead. but once again left my with more questions as the end does not explain why she even existed or why we see her apart from the lead character. I would say it is worth a watch for the visuals but will not make my sci fi rotation
Absolutely Amazing!!
nwrick14 January 2021
So here is what you have to do. Watch it, take some time afterwards to think about it, and sleep on it. Then watch it again!! Both actors are amazing, especially Stacy Martin!! Amazing special effects and story. 10+ stars in my book!!
Slow But Beauiful
Littleman9526 November 2020
Plot: Well, it' like a classic and the story is pretty slow for nowadays, but it's very beautiful. And well, there are some (maybe a lot) of things that are "lightly taken", in particular after the end. But, if you don't mind, it's a very enjoyable movie!
Actors & Acting: I think that the cast are very good! Especially the two main characters. And also the doctor.
Soundtrack: nothing in particular to tell, so it go along very well.
Conclusion: think that it's a movie that a sci-fi fan quite has to watch (if you are not bored about the theme). But you'll have to be patient, maybe more than you'll expect, but ant the end you'll not be disappointed. Or maybe yes, well it depends, like everything. I really enjoyed the ending.
Actors & Acting: I think that the cast are very good! Especially the two main characters. And also the doctor.
Soundtrack: nothing in particular to tell, so it go along very well.
Conclusion: think that it's a movie that a sci-fi fan quite has to watch (if you are not bored about the theme). But you'll have to be patient, maybe more than you'll expect, but ant the end you'll not be disappointed. Or maybe yes, well it depends, like everything. I really enjoyed the ending.
pretty slow
bepponen1 September 2020
This movie is ok at best even for sci-fi and robot lovers, mr theo sadly isnt leading man material. Its kind of slow and not much happens, and what happens is happening too slowly. I scrolled through most of the movies slower scenes, which was, well most of the movie. I cant really recommend it. But i would say its not worth more than 3 or 4 rating.
Great Story, But Too Long of a Movie
SouthernViews2 October 2020
I thought the cinematography and story concept were both great. Theo did a decent job in the lead role. I loved how the story slowly revealed itself to the audience. The biggest issue with the film, for me, was with the pacing. At two hours, this is easily thirty minutes too long. The director is trying to paint a mood with these long slow shots of the trees and waterfalls, etc. But they just go on forever and are used way too often. I found myself constantly skipping ahead because I was incredibly bored. Others may find it adds to the mood of the film. There's a fine line between setting a mood and boring the viewer. I found myself very bored.
If you can make it to the halfway point and find yourself invested, then stick it out until the end. Or keep skipping through the dull parts. I did enjoy the story, just not how it was told.
Reaching further back...
cygnusx-5429715 December 2020
One can see a lot of imagery strongly reminiscent of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1927). One example is when we first see J3 in the lab, suspended mid-air; another is the scientist working to perfect his creation (brilliant, or crazy, or opening Pandora's Box). "Archive" (2020) taps into those same themes.
Why create a moody robot?
koofasa1 March 2021
This is an interesting film about a guy who wants to build a better robot with his wife's personality. He creates various versions as he gets better at it. One version is moody and depressed and so I wondered why anyone would ever create a machine with human emotions. It seems counterproductive and a waste of time and money. Hollywood needs to get a grip and stop trying to make people think inanimate objects are capable of having human traits. They are not human and should never be presented as even partially human or worthy of being treated as anything more than a machine. This is a pro robot movie already trying to sell you on the civil rights we will need to extend to a machine.
Quite a good film
yikesshaggy5 August 2021
Wasted opportunity
movie_ape15 November 2020
You've likely seen this story before, and this time round you have to contend with stunted dialogue that is nonsensical and annoying to listen to.
The plot could be a 25 minute 'The Outer Limits' episode, but dragged out to a full feature length. The music fills every minute and grates on the ears. No time to breathe or soak anything in.
The plot, apart from being weak, has an irritating twist that makes most of the sequence kind of irrelovant.
The acting is average, but poor from the protagonists wife and the AI he is building. Oh and the AI robot is just makeup on a woman.
5/10 needs better writing for the plot and dialogue.
The plot could be a 25 minute 'The Outer Limits' episode, but dragged out to a full feature length. The music fills every minute and grates on the ears. No time to breathe or soak anything in.
The plot, apart from being weak, has an irritating twist that makes most of the sequence kind of irrelovant.
The acting is average, but poor from the protagonists wife and the AI he is building. Oh and the AI robot is just makeup on a woman.
5/10 needs better writing for the plot and dialogue.
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