BRITISH filmmaker Gareth Edwards, who was responsible for Monsters, Godzilla and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, has really upped his creative game with The Creator.
The epic sci-fi adventure is an original story by Edwards, who also co-wrote the screenplay and co-produced the project, made with a low sum (by current Hollywood standards) of about US$80 million.
But the visuals are astounding and the cinematography is breathtaking.
Composed of a seamless mix of both real footage, filmed mostly on location in Thailand and the UK, and impressive computer-generated images by VFX companies like Industrial Light & Magic and Weta FX, the movie immediately draws the viewer into this immersive world.
The film is set in the not-too-distant future, where a nuclear bomb explosion in Los Angeles sparks off a war between the human race and artificial intelligence (AI), with the remnants of the non-human entities hiding in parts of New Asia.
The movie follows Joshua (played by John David Washington), a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife, Maya (Gemma Chan).
He is recruited by the US military to hunt down and kill the Creator, an elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war and eventually, mankind itself.
When Joshua and his team of elite personnel journey across enemy lines into the dark heart of AI-occupied territory, he discovers that the world-ending weapon he has been tasked to destroy is actually an AI in the form of a young child (Madeleine Yuma Voyles).
Edwards presents a compelling story that includes lots of drama and heartfelt moments.
The cast did a great job of bringing the characters to life and making viewers care about them, especially Joshua and the first-of-its-kind AI kid named Alphie.
There is great chemistry between Washington's grieving husband who finds a new purpose and Voyles' innocent AI trying to understand the world. They were a joy to watch.
The Creator has excellent world-building that keeps viewers on their feet, bringing to the fore novel ideas and not commonly seen elements that make for a satisfying sci-fi experience.
Edwards' influence is clear as he draws inspiration from a myriad of classic movies, such as Apocalypse Now, Blade Runner, Rain Man and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, as well as legendary 1980s cyberpunk manga such as Akira.
Some have called this film a mix between Blade Runner and Children of Men, and rightfully so.
There are plenty of layers to the movie as well. Viewers can enjoy it on the surface level as a popcorn blockbuster or dig deeper and ruminate on the issues it raises.
From commentary on the Vietnam War, military might, cultural and ideological clashes, to the immigration issue and how we treat people who are different from us — there is a lot to chew on.
The focus on Asia was refreshing, as it is not every day that viewers get to see interesting and futuristic Asia-centric images in a Hollywood movie.
What makes the movie immensely relevant today is the issue of AI and how it relates to us.
It is not a perfect movie, but all the good points vastly outweigh the bad ones.
Bottom line: The Creator is a highly entertaining movie and one of the best original sci-fi offerings in a long while.
It is worth a watch, if not several, on the biggest screen just to soak in all the beautiful visuals in this well-crafted movie.
THE CREATOR
Directed by Gareth Edwards
Starring John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson, Madeleine Yuna Voyles, Allison Janney
Duration: 134 mins
Rating: 16
