The creator

The Creator, directed by Gareth Edwards, is a visually stunning sci-fi epic that bears the imprint of such influences as Akira and Apocalypse Now. While dazzling in its cinematography, production and editing, the film nevertheless struggles to marry its striking images with a coherent, captivating narrative.

Set in 2070, the film depicts a world divided between the United States, fiercely opposed to artificial intelligence, and New Asia, a region where artificial beings called Simulants coexist harmoniously with humans. This central premise serves as a springboard for the exploration of an age-old question: If we grant machines the ability to think and feel, don't we owe them the same dignity and compassion we accord human beings, even if our treatment of our fellow creatures is often far from ideal?

Gareth Edwards, best known for his visual storytelling prowess, once again demonstrates his talent for creating visually stunning, immersive worlds. Shot primarily in various Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Nepal, The Creator transports viewers into a richly detailed landscape that contrasts sharply with the green-screen aesthetic of many contemporary blockbusters.

The film's world-building goes beyond mere aesthetics, delving into the cultures and societies of these places, and even showing temples erected by AI beings to honor their deities. This willingness to anchor the film in real locations adds a tangible sense of place and scale that is often lost in today's era of mega-budget green-screen productions.

Gareth Edwards also proves himself a director capable of creating tension-filled set-pieces that rival those of his peers. One of the most striking moments concerns Alphie, an endearing Simulant model, played remarkably well by Madeleine Yuna Voyles, then aged 7. This sequence, in particular, is more memorable than many recent Marvel films, underscoring Edwards' ability to construct suspenseful, visually captivating action scenes.

However, it's in terms of storytelling that The Creator fails the most. While it aspires to the depth of thought of classics like Blade Runner and Matrix, it often struggles to find a story compelling enough to guide viewers into its visually dazzling world. The convoluted plot structure, heavy reliance on flashbacks and sometimes dubious character motivations sometimes detract from the film's pace and coherence.

At the heart of the story is John David Washington's character, Joshua, a cybernetic soldier haunted by the memory of Maya (Gemma Chan), a woman he became close to during a secret mission that ended tragically. Joshua's superiors believe his erratic memory holds the key to locating an AI superweapon capable of ending the war, and send him on a mission behind enemy lines, under the direction of Allison Janney, a no-nonsense special operations commander. The credibility of the mission is put to the test, but it sets the stage for the emotional core of the film: the relationship between Joshua and Alphie.

Alphie, unlike the other Simulants, possesses the unique ability to grow and acquire superpowers, following a Christ-like trajectory often found in genre films. While the film's characters and narrative sometimes lack depth and surprise, the bond that forms between Joshua and Alphie provides an emotional anchor in the middle of the show.

The Creator explores profound questions about the relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence, echoing themes that have long been the hallmark of the science fiction genre. It challenges us to ask whether we should accord artificial intelligence the same dignity and compassion that humans often struggle to accord each other.

On a micro level, the film explores the personal bonds between its characters, particularly between Joshua and Alphie. While Joshua's protective impulse towards the young Simulant may not come as a surprise to seasoned cinephiles, it is a reminder of the emotional richness that can be found even in familiar narrative territory.

The Creator stands out as a sensory and emotional delight, thanks in large part to Gareth Edwards' exceptional visual storytelling skills. Although the narrative doesn't reach the same heights as the film's visuals, he succeeds in exploring thought-provoking themes and creating a world that invites viewers to immerse themselves in its dreamlike logic. Despite its narrative flaws, the film leaves an indelible impression and underlines why Edwards was entrusted with a galaxy far, far away.

The Creator
Directed by Gareth Edwards
Screenplay by Gareth Edwards, Chris Weitz
Story by Gareth Edwards
Produced by Gareth Edwards, Kiri Hart, Jim Spencer, Arnon Milchan
Starring John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson, Allison Janney, Madeleine Yuna Voyles
Cinematography : Greig Fraser, Oren Soffer
Edited by Hank Corwin, Joe Walker, Scott Morris
Music by Hans Zimmer
Production companies: Regency Enterprises, eOne, New Regency, Bad Dreams
Distributed by 20th Century Studios
Release dates : September 26, 2023 (Fantastic Fest), September 27, 2023 (France), September 29, 2023 (United States)
Running time : 133 minutes

Seen on October 3, 2023 at Gaumont Disney Village, Room 1 seat L17

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