The Creator - Film Review

Chronicles of Tomorrow: The Prodigy Child's Tale

The Creator - Illustration by Agnes Prygiel

    I hold a profound affection for cinema, where films stir my deep emotions and thoughts. Gareth Edwards's recent masterpiece, 'The Creator,' struck a chord with me due to its visionary storytelling and its connection to my cherished 1986 movie, 'The Golden Child.'

    Set half a century in the future, 'The Creator' unfolds in a world where advanced AI entities closely resemble and emulate human behavior, establishing connections and alliances in diverse societal roles. Blamed for triggering a catastrophic global incident, they face extermination, sparking a rebellion against humanity.

    The narrative explores the subtle boundary between robots and humans, accentuating their diminishing numbers during the war. Tables turn when the advanced humanoid child is constructed, giving hope for AI reproduction and survival. Unaware of its full potential, the state-of-the-art artificial offspring forms a profound emotional bond with Joshua Taylor (portrayed by Josh David Washington), a former soldier who becomes its guardian.

    'The Creator' depicts the evolution of AI, showcasing advanced AI machines and their integration into society. Drawing parallels with algorithms like ChatGPT in our daily lives, it raises questions about the responsible use of AI and its potential impact on humanity.

    While the movie serves as a fictional exploration, it's essential to note that ethical considerations, regulations, and responsible development practices play crucial roles in shaping the future of AI. Keep in mind that humans design and program AI software, giving us the influence to choose its direction.

 

Agnes Prygiel, 06/10/2023

The Old Oak - Film Review

United by a Meal: Ken Loach's Plea for Diversity

 

The Old Oak - Illustration Agnes Prygiel, 2023

 

    Ken Loach's latest film, "The Old Oak," portrays the arrival of Syrian refugees in a small Northern town. TJ, the local pub owner, and Yara, a Syrian photographer, establish a kitchen offering free meals to anyone in need. This initiative serves as a bridge, fostering connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the movie's motto: "Those who eat together stay together."

    The film touched me on a personal level as in some ways it is not only about the Syrian refugees in particular but also about me - a Polish migrant (now a British citizen) and people from diverse backgrounds living together in the UK without knowing or understanding each other's journey. I would say that those who do anything together usually stay together. Ken Loach pinpoints a bigger, underlying issue - the shortage of social enterprises allowing people from mixed cultural origins to meet and bond. 

    Every individual arriving in the UK carries a part of their heritage within them. Immigration is motivated by varied reasons: economic, political, or personal. It is easy to generalise, pigeonhole, be hostile or just patronising. But at some point you have to form connections and make friends with those around you. Where will you start? How do you explain your culture to someone else? Ken Loach's exploration of these themes is particularly important in today's political climate.

04.10.2023, Agnes Prygiel