Movie Review: ‘I Am Mother’, chilling sci-fi robot film

Cast: Clara Rugaard, Hazel Sandery, Hilary Swank, Jacob Nolan, Johnny Carson, Luke Hawker, Maddie Lenton, Rose Byrne, Summer Lenton, Tahlia Sturzaker

Director: Grant Sputore

Genre(s): Sci-Fi/Drama/Thriller

Runtime: 113 min

Rating: 7/10 

I Am Mother is a sci-fi thriller with a unique take on the tropes of the post-apocalypse and robots and makes it something genuinely special. It is about a teenage girl (Clara Rugaard), who is the first of a new generation of humans to be raised by Mother (Rose Byrne), a robot designed to repopulate the earth after the extinction of humankind. But the pair’s unique relationship is threatened when an injured stranger (Hilary Swank) arrives with news that calls into question everything Daughter has been told about the outside world and her Mother’s intentions. 

Thumbs up:

An absolute unique, atmospheric, and chilling sci-fi robot film like no other. This film is one of those rare gems that keeps you thinking well after it’s over; to the point it needs to be seen again. The performances are excellent and Rose Byrne’s acting as Mother is absolutely chilling and hauntingly beautiful. A great sci-fi movie with thrills, chills, twists and, of course, robots. 

Thumbs down:

It feels unsatisfactory. Perhaps an extra 10-15 mins to tie up the loose ends without having to see the film a second time; that’s the only reason this film isn’t a perfect 10. Recommend to anyone who sees this and is left unsatisfied to watch it again and pay close attention to the details (timestamps, embryos labels, even Woman holding the cross), and you will then see the brilliance of this highly underrated film. I Am Mother is thematically rich. It’s just not dramatically rich; more Moon than Terminator.

Verdict:

Fans of Ex Machina and other cerebral sci-fi movies will find another favourite here.