‘Simulant’ is a science fiction thriller that deliberates the rights of humanoid androids, but doesn’t present any fresh arguments.
While science fiction movies have proposed the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) for decades, we’ve only recently entered an age where the applications of AI can be directly seen in our lives. Less obviously, it makes our cars safer and enables autonomous driving features, personalizes our in-app recommendations, improves the realism in video games and makes our homes smarter. Now, with the likes of ChatGPT, people are actively using AI daily to complete any number of tasks and answer questions. In the meantime, teams of people are working on humanoid androids that incorporate AI to move around, have conversations and display emotions. It is the latter that informs the world of Simulant, which features an evolved future of artificial humanoids.
Humanlike androids populate every aspect of this world. Early, less sophisticated models can be seen performing domestic chores and service jobs. However, the latest models are indistinct from the actual humans amongst whom they live. Their appearance, speech and mannerisms are completely natural. The only thing that sets them apart are presets that make them obedient and incapable of harm. However, someone is giving simulants absolute autonomy and Agent Kessler (Sam Worthington) has been tasked with preventing the robots from achieving mass consciousness. Faye (Jordana Brewster) and Evan (Robbie Amell) are an upper-class couple who are experiencing a disconnect, but it may not be easily repaired. Casey (Simu Liu) arrives with a solution to their problem, though who it’s meant to help most isn’t entirely clear.
The Canadian film from director April Mullen treads some familiar territory in the debate between man vs. machine. The story explores various existential questions of being – if it feels, is it not alive? If the simulant carries the memories of a once living person, is it effectively that person? If you don’t believe in God or a soul, is there a difference between a human and a simulant? If there is no difference, should humans have the ability to command simulants? All of these questions are raised throughout the course of the movie, but it doesn’t provide any clear answers — in fact, it may further complicate the issue. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t cover any new territory. The whole premise may actually seem a bit familiar if you watched the TV series, Humans.
Nonetheless, the cast does well to navigate the issues and provide a solid foundation on which to wage the debate. They each represent a different aspect of the argument with varying stakes, their futures dependent on which side triumphs. Fortunately, the film doesn’t try to simplify the intricacies of the treatment of simulants, leaving it to audiences to decide which side, if either, is more valid.
Director: April Mullen
Starring: Robbie Amell, Jordana Brewster and Simu Liu
