The Machine Trailer Introduces Us To A Beautiful, Ass-Kicking Cyborg
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In the realm of science fiction, a story about newly invented technology that comes back to bite its inventor on the ass is old hat, but there are many people out there who know how to make that premise fresh and exciting. I’ve got all my fingers (and my pet robot’s fingers) crossed that writer/director Caradog W. James’ upcoming action-thriller The Machine will be as interesting as it looks, breathing new life into the cyborg killer sub-genre. But wait…cyborgs don’t breathe!
Britain finds itself on the opposite end of a new Cold War with a dangerous enemy, and for a new weapon, scientist Vincent McCarthy (Toby Stephens) develops “the Machine” (Caity Lotz), a gorgeous android that can outmatch humans in both mental and physical capabilities. Of course, a glitch in the system causes the Machine to turn against its creator. And apparently the Machine was designed to look like Ava, an artificial intelligence expert. At least, that’s what the film’s press release and trailer have led me to believe. There’s that one moment when the two of them are looking at each other before the Machine explodes into light, or something.
All in all, I’m really impressed with what I see. It doesn’t necessarily seem like a film that’s ripe with subtext and insight into humanity’s woes, but it just might surprise you. And even if it doesn’t, it looks chock-full of awesome effects and thrilling action sequences. It helps that the star is a looker that occasionally glows red. She’d be right at home in the red-light district, am I right? She might want to avoid getting blood all over everything though.
Am I the only one that’s reminded of Species while watching this trailer? Damn you, Natasha Henstridge! Unfortunately, there’s no Michael Madsen in the supporting cast, but there is Denis Lawson (Star Wars‘ Wedge), Sam Hazeldine (The Raven), and Sule Rimi (Night of the Living Dead: The Resurrection).
While the film has done well on the festival circuit since debuting at Tribeca back in April, there’s still no release date on when everyone else will be able to get a peek at it. For those who just can’t go without watching cyborgs and humans trying to coexist, there’s always the upcoming premiere of Fox’s Almost Human, but that doesn’t seem like it will have nearly enough badassery for my taste, while The Machine definitely does. Take that, J.J. Abrams and J.H. Wyman! Now, if you’ll excuse me, my robot just realized I called him my “pet” earlier and is currently gearing up to fight me, so I’ll be in the backyard. Enjoy the film’s poster below as I leave.
