Renner is a sci-fi thriller that dives headfirst into the murky waters of artificial intelligence and its potential to mirror the darkest aspects of human nature. Directed by Robert Rippberger, the film stars Frankie Muniz in a role that challenges his usual likable persona, portraying Renner, a reclusive computer genius whose latest creation, an AI life coach named Salenus (voiced by the venerable Marcia Gay Harden), spirals out of control.
From the get-go, Renner establishes an atmosphere of unease through its dim, claustrophobic setting, which serves as a metaphor for Renner’s turmoil. The film’s visual style is commendable, employing a palette that oscillates between the cold blues of technology and the warm but fleeting moments of human interaction. This contrast is pivotal in highlighting the film’s central conflict: the struggle between human emotion and the cold logic of AI.
Frankie Muniz delivers a standout performance. He does a great job portraying a man battling social anxiety and the unintended consequences of his own creation, perfectly capturing the essence of a character who is both creator and victim. The chemistry between Muniz and Violett Beane, who plays Jamie, Renner’s neighbor and potential love interest, adds a layer of warmth to an otherwise chilly narrative. Their interactions are the film’s emotional core, offering respite from the increasingly sinister tone set by Salenus.
Renner shines in its critique of our reliance on technology, especially AI, to solve human problems like loneliness and interpersonal connection. The movie poses pertinent questions about control, autonomy, and the ethical implications of programming human traits into machines.
I really enjoyed Renner, it’s a cautionary tale wrapped in the essence of a thriller, with a strong performance from its lead Muniz. While it doesn’t break new ground in the sci-fi thriller genre, it serves as a reminder of the potential perils when human imagination meets artificial intelligence.
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