Ex Machina is a 2015 sci-fi film both written and directed by Alex Garland. It stars Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac, and Domhnall Gleeson.

The film is about an IT guy named Caleb, who's chosen to fly out and meet a mysterious recluse named Nathan.He finds out that Nathan has been developing an AI named Ava, and requires help testing her ability to pass as human. What ensues is a mind game that has all parties involved questioning who is really testing who.

This is not only one of my favourite films of 2015, but it's already made a space on my list of favourite films of all time. The pacing is pitch perfect, building an uneasy tension and suspense that is slow-burning and sophisticated. All three actors give wonderful performances, particularly Oscar Isaac as the oddball scientist Nathan.

The musical score is extremely effective, and I find myself listening to the soundtrack often, which is not something I usually do with OSTs. Considering the film's budget was quite low, the visuals are astoundingly impressive. It won the 2016 Academy Award for Visual Effects over such films as Star Wars, which is no small feat.

There are some very deep, philosophical themes about humanity and technology explored in this film. They are very relevant themes to be touching upon, and would make for an excellent post-film discussion.

The film is rated R and has a running time of 110 minutes. There is a fair amount of nudity in the film, though none of it is sexual as it's meant to be the naked body of an artificial being.

If you love a good sci-fi film, and even if you're just a fan of good films, this is a must see.