At its core, film is about exploring what it means to be human. It captures how we connect, grow, and process emotions, both individually and as a society. So what’s with all the robot movies? For decades, robots have fascinated filmmakers, appearing in movies long before real-life technology could bring them to life.
From the scheming Maschinenmensch in “Metropolis” to HAL in “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and from Robby the Robot in “Forbidden Planet” to Johnny Five in “Short Circuit,” robots have often been sci-fi’s go-to villains, sidekicks, or comic relief. But as AI becomes a growing part of our reality, the way we portray robots in films has evolved. Movies like “AI: Artificial Intelligence,” “Ex Machina,” “I’m Your Man,” and “After Yang” don’t just feature robots; they make them central characters, pushing us to consider what it means to be human.
While the original “Blade Runner” felt rooted in distant sci-fi, its sequel, “Blade Runner 2049,” presents a future that feels uncomfortably near. Even in animated films like “The Wild Robot,” which opens at The Triplex this week, we see robots transcending their programming to form relationships and explore emotions. These films suggest that the essence of humanity lies not in our biology but in our ability to connect, empathize, and evolve.
As we grapple with the growing presence of AI in our lives—from its impact on jobs to the dystopian fears of a Skynet-like future—filmm.