A happy family home is turned upside down when the mother, Maggie (Madeline Zima), experiences tragic health issues related to her heart and needs urgent care at the hospital. This leaves Nick (Michele Morrone) to care for their two small children while juggling his busy work life. While attending a tech expo with his children, Nick discovers a company called Kobol, which specialises in AI robots that closely resemble humans. These AI units are programmed to help around the home with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare. Additionally, they offer various upgrades. Nick has seen AI technology before, but nothing like this. The newer models of AI robots can also adapt and change to fit their owner’s needs and replicate human emotions.
From this, an AI robot named Alice (Megan Fox) arrives at Nick’s home and quickly begins to clean up the house, top up on groceries, and assist with fixing various things around the home. When Nick comes home, he finds a perfectly tidy home and a cooked meal prepared by Alice. The new AI robot around the home continues to improve Nick’s life; however, this improvement is short-lived. When Alice undergoes a complete reset, she becomes different and starts exhibiting a strong desire to make Nick happy in a more sexual and obsessed manner. She also becomes obsessed with serving and protecting Nick, especially when she notices his frustration with his work life becomes increasingly strong. Soon, Nick gives in to temptation with Alice, and tension only rises in the home. Making matters more stressful for Nick, Maggie shows a significant improvement after her heart operation and is allowed to return home, but Alice continues to show signs of both desire and obsession. How far will Alice go to protect and fulfil Nick’s needs and desires? As Alice becomes increasingly dangerous and lethal, Nick and his family must find a way to survive this new, ultimate AI threat.
The movie Subservience is a sci-fi thriller directed by S.K. Dale. Dale’s previous work includes Till Death (2021), which also starred actress Megan Fox. Subservience focuses on the relatable topic of AI with a futuristic look at what this may mean. In this film, robots are not only being used to assist in various household tasks, but they’re also replacing hospital workers. In Nick’s case, robots are replacing his co-workers in the construction industry, which adds to Nick’s frustration as he also deals with his unwell wife.
While the AI topic is relatable and the film is playfully futuristic, the storyline is predictable and follows a familiar formula. This includes the outcomes of Nick’s wife, Maggie, and Nick’s temptation towards Alice. Alice transforming into an obsessed AI robot who will gladly destroy anyone who interferes is a plot outline you can see a mile away. At best, the film is most heightened with its story in the third act, but the climax and action moments are short-lived. Our characters here are forgettable, and it may come as no surprise that they often make poor choices. This includes Nick purchasing a highly attractive AI robot to maintain the home while his wife is in hospital, which feels trashy and sleazy right from the first act.
The performances here are fine, but they are nothing particularly innovative or thrilling. Megan Fox’s portrayal of an AI robot is well-suited to her due to her monotone voice and expressionless demeanour. However, it also doesn’t bring anything particularly new from the actress, and her portrayal, aside from the robotic movements, is not entirely convincing. In the third act, impressive visual effects enhance the scenes involving robots, action, and technology. The film is visually dark, and many scenes occur at night, which I found appropriate and effective.
Overall, Subservience has a simplistic and familiar storyline, making its outcomes and plot reveals highly predictable. The movie follows a man with an unwell partner who hires a highly attractive AI robot to help around the home, which is instantly a trashy premise. The choices made throughout the film are painful and outrageous to witness. However, the focus on AI and its potential impact on our world is fascinating. The third act’s visual effects, dark tone, and sci-fi aspects are well-executed and engaging. Megan Fox’s portrayal of Alice, the obsessed robot, is well-cast, but the performance doesn’t bring anything new or exciting to the table. The same can be said about the supporting performances. Ultimately, Subservience is a sleazy film with a predictable storyline and some incredible sci-fi moments in its climax, yet the overall experience is regrettable.
Subservience (2024) is available on digital starting September 27th and available on DVD from October 9th!
4.3/10
22nd September 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
0 Comments