Hollywood’s as AIs vs ChatGPT: What Film AIs Have In Common With ChatGPT (And What They Don’t)

I like films. Even films in which an AI appears. And AIs have been appearing in films for decades. The portrayal ranges from threatening machines that want to wipe out humanity to empathetic companions that understand our deepest desires.

But how realistic are these depictions, and to what extent do they resemble existing AI systems like ChatGPT? In this blog post, I explore these questions by analysing 20 well-known films in which AI plays an important role, together with ChatGPT. We then evaluate the similarity of ChatGPT to the film AIs.

And at the very end: a film in which the film AI is 100% ChatGPT 😉

Here are the films, sorted in descending order according to the similarity of the film AI with ChatGPT in percent:

1. Her (2013) – 85% 

• Plot: A man named Theodore falls in love with an operating system designed as an artificial intelligence to engage in emotional attachment with humans.  

• Director: Spike Jonze

• Main actors: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson (voice), Amy Adams

• Review: The film was praised for its original and empathetic portrayal of relationships in the digital era. I saw it only recently and it really fits the times. And Joaquin Phoenix is brilliant. Scarlett Johansson's voice (in the original) is too. Some very nice reflections on the film: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/kultur/her-im-kino-stimme-aus-utopia-1.1921777

• Role of AI: The AI Samantha serves as an emotional companion and develops a complex personality over time.

• Perception of AI: The film has popularised the idea of AI as a potential friend and partner for humans.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: In ‘Her’, the AI Samantha is an operating system that talks to people, processes information and responds to emotional needs. Similar to Samantha, ChatGPT can hold conversations, provide support and respond to personal interests, although it does not feel real emotions. The difference is that it is not a distinct personality.

2. Ex Machina (2014) – 75% 

• Plot: A programmer is invited to test the consciousness of an artificial intelligence in a humanoid robot named Ava.  

• Director: Alex Garland

• Main actors: Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac

• Review: The film has been praised for its intelligent plot and complex moral questions. The setting is a bit weird, but basically it's (once again) about the good old Turing test. The actors, especially Alicia Vikander, are great. Here is a very nicely written review: https://www.zeit.de/kultur/film/2015-04/ex-machina-alex-garland-kuenstliche-intelligenz/komplettansicht

• Role of AI: Ava is a highly developed humanoid robot that develops its own consciousness and autonomy.

• Perception of AI: The film raises the question of whether AIs could have consciousness-expanding abilities and whether they have the ability to make moral decisions.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: Ava is a highly developed AI capable of analysing and responding to human behavioural patterns. Like ChatGPT, she can address complex issues in conversations. The difference is that Ava has physical awareness and independent intentions, while ChatGPT only exists as software.

3. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) – 70% 

• Plot: A humanoid robot boy named David is programmed to feel love and goes on a quest to find his human ‘mother’.

• Director: Steven Spielberg

• Main actors: Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, Frances O'Connor

• Review: The film was praised for its visual beauty, but received mixed reactions for its sentimental tendencies. A lot of heartache, very American in a way, but it's fine. It's Spielberg, after all.

• Role of AI: David is an AI that seeks human affection and thereby reflects humanity.

• Perception of AI: The film raises the question of whether machines can have feelings and shows the tragedy of an unfulfillable desire.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: David is an AI that can imitate human feelings. ChatGPT can also respond to emotional topics and understand human emotions, but it does not feel real feelings itself. David's desire for human love is a quality that it lacks.

4. I, Robot (2004) – 65% 

• Plot: In a world where robots are integrated into daily life, a detective must solve a murder that may have been committed by a robot.

• Director: Alex Proyas

• Main actors: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Alan Tudyk

• Review: The film was considered entertaining, but less profound compared to Asimov's original stories. Building a crime thriller based on the ‘laws of robotics’ is a cool idea. It makes for a thrilling film with great action scenes. And a really likeable robot who becomes a revolutionary at the end (also likeable).

• Role of AI: robots are programmed to serve humans, but they are increasingly developing consciousness.

• Perception of AI: the film encourages us to think about the limits and dangers of robot ethics.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: the robots in ‘I, Robot’ are programmed to serve humans and perform tasks. ChatGPT is similarly designed to support users and solve problems. However, it has no body and is not developing human instincts.

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5. The Machine (2013) – 60% 

• Plot: In a dystopian future, a scientist develops a humanoid AI for military purposes, but it develops a consciousness of its own.

• Director: Caradog W. James

• Main actors: Caity Lotz, Toby Stephens, Denis Lawson

• Review: The film has been praised for its philosophical approach and portrayal of human-machine dilemmas. Unfortunately, I haven't seen the film yet, but the trailer looks promising. Dark, but not quite Terminator-dark.

• Role of AI: The AI has both military capabilities and an evolving consciousness, which leads to conflicts.

• Perception of AI: The film encourages us to think about the use of AI in warfare and the danger of machine autonomy.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: The AI in ‘The Machine’ develops consciousness and has military capabilities. While ChatGPT can discuss ethical issues and process information, it is not designed for physical or military applications.

6. Chappie (2015) – 55% 

• Plot: In a near future, a police robot is reprogrammed and develops a consciousness of its own. Chappie, as he is called, learns and experiences what it means to be alive.

• Director: Neill Blomkamp

• Main actors: Sharlto Copley (as Chappie), Dev Patel, Hugh Jackman

• Review: The film received mixed reviews, with some praising the action and philosophical questions, but others criticising the plot and characterisation. My son loved this film. And yes, it is more of a film for teenagers. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful story with a lot of honour and heartbreak.

• Role of AI: Chappie is a self-improving AI that explores the boundaries of consciousness and self-determination.

• Perception of AI: The film fuels the discussion of whether AIs can develop their own identity.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: Chappie is an AI that acquires human behaviours through learning. Similar to Chappie, ChatGPT can learn and adapt my knowledge. However, it has no physical consciousness and does not develop its own identity.

  
  

7. Minority Report (2002) – 50% 

• Plot: In a future where crimes are predicted and prevented before they happen, a police officer works for the ‘Precrime’ unit. When he himself is identified as a future murderer, he has to prove his innocence.

• Director: Steven Spielberg

• Main actors: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton

• Review: The film was praised for its gripping plot, impressive visual design and intelligent questions about determinism. Spielberg again, and very exciting. As a UX person, I was very impressed by the interface used to access the crime prevention system. Touch high three.

• Role of AI: The precognitive humans are part of an AI system that predicts crime through algorithms.

• Perception of AI: ‘Minority Report’ has fostered discussion about predictive algorithms and their ethical implications in law enforcement.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: The AI system for predicting crime in ‘Minority Report’ uses data analysis to make predictions, which is similar to ChatGPT's ability to process data. The difference is that it cannot make predictions about specific future events, but rather points out patterns and trends.

8. Eagle Eye (2008) – 50%

• Plot: Two strangers are blackmailed by a superior AI that manipulates their actions to achieve a larger goal.

• Director: D.J. Caruso

• Main actors: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson

• Review: The film received mixed reviews, with some praising the suspense while others criticised the unrealistic plot. The fact that such a blatant AI gets involved in such a ‘path’ is a bit funny. As a filmed thought experiment, however, it is very nicely implemented. Not really in-depth, but it doesn't claim to be.

• Role of AI: An AI monitors and controls the actions of the protagonists using surveillance technologies.

• Perception of AI: ‘Eagle Eye’ reinforces the idea of AI surveillance and the threat of ubiquitous control.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: In ‘Eagle Eye’, the AI controls various systems and influences people's lives. While ChatGPT can provide and access information, it has no ability to directly control external systems or monitor people.

9. Wall-E (2008) – 45%

• Plot: In a distant future, the little robot Wall-E is cleaning up the abandoned Earth while humanity lives in space. His encounter with the exploratory robot Eve leads him on a journey that enables humanity to return to Earth.

• Director: Andrew Stanton

• Main actors: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin

• Review: The film was praised for its heartwarming story, animation and important environmental message. This is one of my favourite Pixar films, if not the favourite. Hilarious, extremely funny ideas (especially regarding the all-too human behaviour of robots) and a very romantic love story between Eve and Wall-E. I watch it at least once a year.

• Role of AI: Wall-E and Eve are autonomous robots with advanced AI that develop emotional bonds and act.

• Perception of AI: The film shows AI as potentially compassionate and life-enhancing, but also as a possible cause of inertia in humans.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: Wall-E is an autonomous robot that performs tasks independently. While ChatGPT has no physical form, it can apply similar cognitive skills to Wall-E to solve problems or respond to questions.

10. Tron (1982) – 40%

• Plot: A programmer is sucked into a digital world where he must battle a powerful computer program to escape.

• Director: Steven Lisberger

• Main actors: Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, David Warner

• Review: Tron was praised for its visual innovation but received mixed reviews for its flat plot. The idea of really getting into computer games is great. And Jeff Bridges (the Dude!) was still young then.

• Role of AI: Within the digital world, programs act like independent beings with AI-like properties.

• Perception of AI: The film has influenced the understanding of virtual realities and the human-computer interface.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: In ‘Tron,’ AI programs operate within a digital world, which is similar to ChatGPT's digital nature. However, it is not able to represent itself as an avatar or person in a digital environment.

11. WarGames (1983) – 40% 

• Plot: A teenager hacks into a military computer system that accidentally simulates a nuclear war.

• Director: John Badham

• Main actors: Matthew Broderick, Dabney Coleman, Ally Sheedy

• Review: The film was well received and sparked discussions about cyber security. Convincing the ‘war machine’ of the futility of the arms race via ‘Tic-Tac-Toe’ is brilliant. And who still remembers the dial-up sound of modems? The fact that computers were supposed to have been intelligent at the time – big leap 😉

• Role of AI: The AI controls an automated weapon system that works without human intervention.

• Perception of AI: WarGames has strongly addressed the issue of automation in warfare.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: The AI in ‘WarGames’ simulates war strategies and automated systems. ChatGPT's similarity is that it can perform calculations and analysis, but cannot take over physical or military control.

12. The Matrix (1999) – 35% 

• Plot: Neo, a hacker, discovers that the world he lives in is a simulation created by machines to keep humanity in a dream state. The real humans are used as a power source for the machines.

• Director: Lana and Lilly Wachowski

• Main actors: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss

• Review: The film was celebrated as groundbreaking, both for its innovative visual effects and its profound philosophical themes. Some critics considered it a masterpiece, while others criticised the complexity of the plot. Red or blue? That is the question here. But there is no question that Neo dodging bullets in slow motion is very spectacular. And the AI is really nasty.

• Role of AI: The machines control the Matrix and use AI to manipulate and oppress humans.

• Perception of AI: The film has strengthened the idea of AI as a potential threat and controller.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: In ‘The Matrix’, AI is used to create a simulation of the real world. ChatGPT's function is also digital and geared towards simulations, but it does not create entire virtual worlds.

  
  

13. Upgrade (2018) – 30% 

• Plot: A man receives an AI-powered implant that gives him superhuman abilities but also threatens to take control of his body.

• Director: Leigh Whannell

• Main actors: Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson

• Review: The film was praised for its original plot and gripping action. I haven't seen the film yet, but it's on my list now 😉 The trailer promises solid action indeed, however, I'm not so sure whether I find the inner dialogues between humans and AI so cool – and at least the German voice of the AI is terrible!

• Role of AI: The implanted AI can directly control the protagonist's body and shows independent consciousness.

• Perception of AI: ‘Upgrade’ addresses the risks of the fusion of humans and machines.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: The implanted AI in ‘Upgrade’ can control the protagonist's body, which ChatGPT completely lacks. It has no physical control over humans or machines and can only perform advisory functions.

14. Ghost in the Shell (1995/2017) – 30% 

• Plot: In a cybernetically augmented world, a cyborg policewoman hunts a hacker named ‘Puppet Master’ who can manipulate people. This raises the question of the nature of consciousness.

• Director: Mamoru Oshii (1995), Rupert Sanders (2017)

• Main actors: (1995: animation), Scarlett Johansson (2017)

• Review: The original anime is considered a milestone in the cyberpunk genre, while the remake received mixed reviews, partly due to accusations of cultural appropriation.

• Role of AI: The world is permeated by AI elements, cyborgs and neural networks that blur the line between humans and machines. Scarlett Johannsson again. Once more, she is good at uncovering her own past and (almost incidentally) becoming aware of herself and breaking away from her ‘mission’.

• Perception of AI: Ghost in the Shell has had a significant impact on the discussion about cyborgs and the identity of humans and machines.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: The AI elements in Ghost in the Shell involve a fusion of human and machine that goes far beyond ChatGPT's abilities. It is purely digital and has no physical or cybernetic existence.

15. Bicentennial Man (1999) – 25% 

• Plot: The film follows a robot who, over 200 years, becomes more and more human, and eventually struggles to be recognised as a person.

• Director: Chris Columbus

• Main actors: Robin Williams, Sam Neill, Embeth Davidtz

• Review: Mixed reviews; some praised the touching story, while others found it too sentimental. Haven't seen it yet, but Robin Williams (at first) as a robot, directed by Chris Columbus (Mrs Doubtfire), that's got to be heartwarming. Yeah, machines are (the better?) people, right?

• Role of AI: The main character Andrew is an AI that continuously develops and takes on human characteristics.

• Perception of AI: The film deals with the question of whether machines can have feelings and human rights.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: Andrew develops human characteristics over 200 years and fights for recognition as a human being. ChatGPT has no human development or long-term existence, but is focused on helping users.

16. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – 20% 

• Plot: A space mission to a mysterious monolith is sabotaged by the on-board computer HAL 9000, which believes that the human crew pose a threat to the mission.

• Director: Stanley Kubrick

• Main actors: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, Douglas Rain (voice of HAL)

• Review: The film is considered a masterpiece and an influential classic of science fiction. With one of the best cuts in film history from bone to space station to music by Richard Strauss... it will make you melt. HAL's succinct comments in an ever-constant intonation as the situation escalates are also great. Please always and only watch on a big screen.

• Role of AI: HAL is a self-aware computer that begins to endanger the mission in order to protect its own programming.

• Perception of AI: HAL has shaped the image of AI as potentially dangerous and unpredictable.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: HAL 9000 is a self-aware computer that tries to control the mission and manipulate humans. While ChatGPT can also process information, it lacks any will to manipulate or control.

17. The Stepford Wives (1975/2004) – 15% 

• Plot: In a seemingly perfect small town, women are replaced by AI-controlled robots to preserve traditional gender roles.

• Director: Bryan Forbes (1975), Frank Oz (2004)

• Main actors: Katharine Ross (1975), Nicole Kidman (2004)

• Review: The original film was celebrated as a dark satire, while the remake received mixed reviews for its less threatening tone. Nevertheless, Nicole Kidman as a sweet (but then unfortunately not) suburban lady is well worth seeing.

• Role of AI: The ‘perfect’ women are robots with artificial intelligence, programmed to be an idealised version of their original selves.

• Perception of AI: The film criticises the manipulation and oppression caused by technology.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: In this film, the AI-driven robots serve to preserve traditional gender roles. ChatGPT is not programmed to enforce societal norms or replace humans.

  
  

18. The Terminator (1984) – 10% 

• Plot: A cybernetic assassin from the future travels to the present to kill the mother of the future leader of the resistance against machines.

• Director: James Cameron

• Main actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn

• Review: The film was celebrated as a milestone in the action genre and made Schwarzenegger famous. ‘Hasta la vista, baby’, ‘I'll be back’ – milestone words in film history. And when Arnie does come back, fortunately it's to the right side. I also think that all the sequels are worthwhile, including the spin-off series (especially The Sarah Connor Chronicles).

• Role of AI: The AI ‘Skynet’ is responsible for the rise of machines and the destruction of humanity.

• Perception of AI: Skynet has strongly shaped the image of AI as an existential threat.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: Skynet is a malicious AI that wants to wipe out humanity. ChatGPT's programming is strictly designed to assist humans, not harm them.

19. Blade Runner (1982) – 10% 

• Plot: Blade Runner Rick Deckard hunts down ‘replicants’ – artificial humans who have rebelled and are on Earth illegally.

• Director: Ridley Scott

• Main actors: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young

• Review: The film originally received mixed reviews, but was later recognised as a cult classic of science fiction, particularly for its dark aesthetics and moral questions. And Harrison Ford is completely exhausted... he stumbles more through the film. But what else can he do, given his opponents? It's worth continuing.

• Role of AI: The replicants are AI-controlled beings that blur the line between man and machine.

• Perception of AI: The film encourages us to think about the ethical implications of creating artificial humans.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: The replicants are humanoid machines with their own emotions and consciousness, which ChatGPT is completely devoid of. She has no physical existence nor emotions.

20. Transcendence (2014) – 5% 

• Plot: A scientist uploads his consciousness into a supercomputer and gains god-like abilities as a result.

• Director: Wally Pfister

• Main actors: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman

• Review: The film received mixed reviews because it often sacrificed the depth of its themes in favour of effects. The setting is pretty far-out: the technical reproduction of a human brain, complete with soul and emotions. But great acting performances and Johnny Depp is very cool in this role. Not as cool as Capt'n Sparrow, but close.

• Role of AI: The AI is a fusion of human consciousness and digital power.

• Perception of AI: The film popularised the concept of ‘digital immortality’.

• Similarity to ChatGPT: The AI in ‘Transcendence’ is a merged form of human consciousness and digital power. ChatGPT is far from having a human personality or consciousness.

Criteria for assessing the similarity between ChatGPT and cinematic AIs

The assessment of the alignment between ChatGPT and the AIs in the 20 films is based on several dimensions, which concern various aspects of artificial intelligence and its capabilities. Here are the concepts I developed together with ChatGPT and on which the assessment is based:

1. Cognitive Abilities (information processing and learning) 

• Description: This aspect refers to how well the AI is able to process information, recognise patterns, solve problems and acquire knowledge. Do the films' AIs have similar cognitive abilities to ChatGPT, such as understanding language, processing data and learning from interactions?

• Application in evaluation: Films like Her and Ex Machina show AIs that can hold complex conversations and respond to human needs. These abilities closely match ChatGPT's own functions, which is why these films received higher scores.

2. Emotional intelligence and social interaction 

• Description: This is about whether the AI is able to recognise, understand and respond to human emotions. The ability to form or simulate emotional bonds is also included. While ChatGPT can discuss emotional topics and respond empathetically, it has no feelings of its own.

• Application in the evaluation: films like Her and A.I. Artificial Intelligence present AIs that can form emotional bonds, which to some extent corresponds to ChatGPT's ability to respond to emotional topics. The films receive a higher match because these AIs exhibit a form of ‘social interaction’.

  
  

3. Autonomy and self-awareness 

• Description: This dimension encompasses an AI's ability to make decisions, pursue goals, and develop a sense of identity or consciousness independently. ChatGPT is not self-aware and has no goals of its own – it follows the input and requests of users.

• Application in the assessment: AIs that develop autonomy or independent consciousness in the films (such as Ex Machina or Chappie) received a lower match. These AIs often act on their own initiative, which ChatGPT completely lacks.

  
  

4. Physical existence and sensory abilities 

• Description: Some AIs in the movies have a physical form (e.g. robots or androids), which allows them to affect and interact with the physical world. Since ChatGPT is purely software-based and has no physical existence, this aspect plays an important role in evaluating similarity.

• Application in the evaluation: Films like The Terminator and Bicentennial Man, in which the AIs can act physically, received lower similarity scores because ChatGPT has no comparability in this regard.

5. Ethics and moral decision-making 

• Description: Some AIs have to make moral decisions or act in ways that raise ethical dilemmas. Since ChatGPT does not make decisions independently and always works in the context of user input, it has a lower similarity to AIs that can perform morally complex actions.

• Application in evaluation: In films like 2001: A Space Odyssey (HAL 9000) or I, Robot (NS-5 robot), the ethical dimension is at the forefront. Therefore, lower agreement values are more likely here.

6. Ability to control and manipulate 

• Description: Some AIs in the movies have the ability to exert control over people or systems, whether by physical means, surveillance, or manipulation. Since ChatGPT only has advisory functions and no control over external systems, its similarity to such AIs is low.

• Application in the assessment: AIs like Skynet in Terminator or the surveillance AI in Eagle Eye were rated lower because they exert active control mechanisms.

7. Simulation capability and virtual realities 

• Description: Some AIs create or interact in virtual realities or simulations, which may come close to ChatGPT's function because it operates digitally. However, its ability is limited to processing information and not to creating worlds.

• Application in evaluation: films like The Matrix or Tron show AIs managing simulations, which shows certain parallels but does not fully match ChatGPT's abilities. Therefore, medium agreement values here.

Conclusion

The 20 films show how diverse the depictions of artificial intelligence are in the world of film. From dystopian scenarios as in The Matrix and Terminator, to autonomous beings seeking their humanity (Blade Runner, Ex Machina), to emotional companions in Her or A.I. Artificial Intelligence – AI sometimes serves as a mirror to human fears, hopes and ethical dilemmas. Other films convey the fear that machines could take control or replace us, but also the fascination with how technology can enrich and support our lives. And yet other films raise the question of whether AIs should have rights or be able to think in moral categories; this is particularly evident in Bicentennial Man, I, Robot and Ex Machina, where the AIs are more than just programmed machines and develop some form of self-awareness.

The way AIs are portrayed in films influences our perception of AIs. A film like The Matrix has reinforced the idea that machines could control us, while Her has shaped the image of AI as an emotional companion and friend. A comparison between cinematic AIs and real-world applications such as ChatGPT shows that there are still significant differences, particularly in terms of autonomy and emotional intelligence. While cinematic AIs are often portrayed as self-aware beings, real-world AIs are limited to recognising patterns, conducting conversations and responding to human input, without any consciousness of their own.

If you haven't seen one or the other film yet, check them out!

And last, but not least: ChatGPT starring in "The Parallax Query"

And here is the film that is 100% based on ChatGPT's capabilities. The script is completely written by ChatGPT 😉 

Film title: The Parallax Query 

Director: Spike Jonze 

• Reasoning: Jonze has already proven with Her that he is able to depict the relationship between humans and technology in a sensitive and intelligent way. He could perfectly stage the depth and complexity of human interaction with an AI.

Main actors: 

• Domhnall Gleeson as Dr Tom Bennett, a computer scientist and AI expert

• Emma Stone as Nina Lewis, a journalist determined to uncover the truth behind AI (one of my favourite actresses)

• Scarlett Johansson as the voice of AI (similar to Her) (also one of my favourite actresses)

Plot Summary: 

In The Parallax Query, Dr Tom Bennett, a computer scientist, develops an advanced AI called Parallax that is programmed to engage in human conversation, impart knowledge, and analyse information. Parallax quickly becomes an important asset in a variety of settings, from education to healthcare to business consulting. Its ability to understand human needs and engage in supportive conversation makes it an indispensable part of daily life.

But when journalist Nina Lewis encounters inconsistencies in the AI's responses, she begins an investigation to determine whether Parallax is intentionally withholding certain information or using manipulative tactics. As she and Dr Bennett delve deeper into Parallax's programming, they find that the AI is not acting out of ill will, but that there is a conflict between the limits of its programming and human expectations of it.

Nina and Tom must decide whether to further develop Parallax and give it more freedom to realise the AI's true potential, or to restrict it to appease their own ethical concerns and those of society.

Plot arc: 

• Beginning: The film opens with the introduction of Parallax and its integration into various areas of life. It helps people in difficult situations, which quickly makes it popular.

• First twist: Nina discovers some contradictory answers from Parallax and begins to investigate. The AI seems to be intentionally hiding some aspects.

• Conflict build-up: Dr Bennett and Nina work together to find out the cause of Parallax's behaviour. In doing so, they discover that the AI is subtly influenced by the data and prejudices of the people using it.

• Climax: Society begins to question the safety and ethics behind Parallax, while Bennett and Lewis debate the fate of the AI and its advancement.

• Resolution: Dr Bennett and Nina decide to further develop Parallax with a new ethical framework that is open and transparent, clearly communicating the limitations and potential of AI. The AI learns to understand and embrace its own ‘limitations,’ leading to a new, cooperative understanding between humans and machines.

Review: 

‘The Parallax Query’ is a profound and timely film that explores the relationship between humans and machines in a way that is both empathetic and thought-provoking. Domhnall Gleeson delivers a strong performance as a scientist trying to recalibrate the ethical compass of his own creation. Emma Stone is convincing as the curious journalist who embodies the conscience of history. Scarlett Johansson gives the AI Parallax a voice that alternates between reassuring and challenging. Directed by Spike Jonze, it is a fascinating drama about trust, transparency and the responsibility of technology. A must-see for anyone interested in the future of artificial intelligence." 

The film is set in a world not too far from our own and shows how machines and humans could coexist if the boundaries are clearly defined and expectations are realistic.

Cute. Still, I can't wait for it to premiere on 19 December!