I recently watched the 2024 Movie Subservience, directed by S.K. Dale.
The movie stars Megan Fox as a domestic android who turns from helper to hazard.
The film tackles a well-worn sci-fi concept: artificial intelligence going rogue. Although A.I. malfunctioning in movies is nothing new, I was intrigued to see how this movie would develop.
The Premise
A father (Michele Morrone) is left to care for his little daughter and baby, while his wife battles illness in a hospital.
To avoid being overwhelmed, he buys an advanced AI robot to help care for his home and children.
He buys a sleek, lifelike machine designed to make his life easier. However, things spiral when the robot develops an obsessive attachment to its owner, leading to deadly consequences.
Performance and Characters
Megan Fox delivers a solid performance.
Her cold stare, stiff movements, and slightly vacant expressions perfectly capture the essence of a robot that looks human but isn’t. Her portrayal gives the android a creepy edge.
Michele Morrone (best known for 365 Days) plays the overwhelmed father.
The were some other supporting characters in the movie, including the ailing wife. However, these characters were equally underdeveloped, which makes the stakes feel low.
What I Liked About the Movie
Both Megan Fox and Michele Morrone did a great job with their acting and portrayal of their characters.
Megha fox was the perfect cast for the role.
Although Michele Morrone’s acting was good, his character was not likeable based on the script, but he conveyed what he needed to.
Another thing I liked about the movie was the editing.
The film uses clever audio and visual tricks to manipulate reality, showing how the android can mimic sounds and voices to create false perceptions. These moments are great but they’re few and far between.
I appreciate that Subservience briefly touches on the ethical implications of AI and its role in replacing human relationships or labor. Unfortunately, these themes are glossed over, used as little more than background noise for character conflict.
Instead of exploring the dangers of AI autonomy in any meaningful way, the story settles for shallow thrills.
What I Didn’t Like About the Movie
Throughout the movie, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had watched the movie before.
I kept thinking of M3GAN! Of course, it is not the same movie and not for the same audience, however that feeling lingered for me.
The movie is 1 hour 45 minutes, but Subservience still manages to feel even longer.
I really wanted to like the movie, but I found that it lacked originality, suspense and is too predictable.
Again, the film attempts to build tension, but because of the way the characters were written, I found that I was not invested in the characters.
The “Fatal Attraction” twist—where the android’s attachment turns dangerous—lacks real suspense or emotional weight.
Even when the family faces life-threatening danger, the drama feels forced rather than earned.
I thought the script did a disservice to Michele Morrone’s character.
He comes across as more selfish and careless than sympathetic. He’s a man who, despite his wife’s recent illness, quickly invests in a machine that looks more like a model than a caregiver.
Any attempts to portray him as conflicted or redeemable felt shallow, especially when his motivations seem questionable at best.
Would I Recommend the Movie?
Subservience feels like a missed opportunity. Despite a solid performance from Megan Fox and some interesting visual touches, the film lacks originality, suspense, or depth.
The predictable story, unlikable characters, and sluggish pacing make it hard to stay engaged.
It is up to you to decide if you would like to watch the movie if you’re looking for a gripping AI thriller, there are far better options.
How Would I Rate This Movie?
I would rate it 2 out of 5.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
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