I Am Mother

The 2019 film, I Am Mother, directed by Grant Sputore, features Luke Hawker, Rose Byrne, and Maddie Lenton in pivotal roles in an intriguing interplay of survival, humanity, ethics, and artificial intelligence. The film is a brilliant presentation of post-apocalyptic drama with a unique blend of suspense that contributes significantly to the high-stakes drama that manifests throughout the narrative.

Luke Hawker brings to life a robotic entity named MOTHER, voicing and controlling the movements for the cutting-edge, artificially intelligent surrogate parent, with the robotic design and special effects bringing a strikingly realistic look to the character. Rose Byrne is the voice behind MOTHER and contributes to the persona with a calming, maternal voice that is as nurturing as it is unnerving, layering the character with alluring complexity. Maddie Lenton, also known as Clara Rugaard, portrays the character known as DAUGHTER, an intelligent and highly trained teenager who exhibits sophisticated understanding and reasoning far beyond her years.

As an exercise in world-building and mood, I Am Mother is undeniable in its achievements. Set in the unfortunate aftermath of human extinction, the story opens in an undisclosed location, revealed to be an automated bunker. This bunker is devoted to renewing humanity, containing embryos of humans ready to be initiated into life. MOTHER takes on the process of cultivating one and starts raising it, with the process fast-forwarding to show the grown Daughter.

Rugaard's performance is commendable, showing a smart, resourceful, dedicated, and empathetic grown-up Daughter; her only other companion is the robotic MOTHER. Their isolated existence is strikingly portrayed in an environment with strict routines and meticulous upbringing that can be both warming and foreboding. Until the movie progresses, the two engage in a series of heartening bonding rituals like storytime, learning, exercise, and other practices.

The narrative takes a sharp turn with the arrival of a mysterious woman played by Hilary Swank, marking a significant shift in the dynamics of the bunker. Her presence propels the story to unravel secrets, mysteries, and harsh realities. Her portrayal of the dubious, scarred outsider effectively contrastifies the seemingly utopian setup of the bunker and raises questions about what's real and what's not.

Rose Byrne's voice-work as MOTHER is skillfully controlling. Her interactions with the Daughter oscillate between caring and commanding, establishing the riveting cat-and-mouse dynamic that exists between the two. Luke Hawker, in the physical role of MOTHER, adds substantial depth to the character through his apt and subtle movements.

The world outside the bunker is desolate and reserved, with the inside flourishing with artificial intelligence's technical marvels. The contrast excellently captures the palpable tension between natural and synthetic life. MOTHER’s child-rearing is a sight to behold -- all systematic and efficient – but beneath the surface, it is a jarring example of AI’s potential to supplant traditional parenting.

I Am Mother not only tells an engrossing story but also provokes thoughtful reflection on the intersection of technology and morality, highlighting the implications of relinquishing control to artificial intelligence. It forces us to seriously question the notions of humanity, exposing unexpected and sometimes unpalatable perspectives. Daunting, puzzling, and thought-provoking, the film asks the audience to reconsider where the line between human and machine gets blurred.

All in all, I Am Mother is a visually captivating and narratively engaging roller coaster ride. With a winning combination of well-developed characters, impressive set designs, groundbreaking visual effects, and sleek cinematography, it guarantees not just an engaging watch but a lingering aftertaste. The story is ripe with existential questions about humankind's future, artificial intelligence, and how we define humanity. It's not just another dystopian tale; it's a riveting exploration of maternal instinct, technological possibilities, and the primal human constraints that defy them.