Ex Machina
7.7
Ex Machina fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Scare6
- Spectacle6
Heart
Romantic
- Romance7
- Melancholy6
- Wonder6
Humor
Some sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Satire & Parody5
- Cringe Humor4
World
Technology, the future, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction9
- Acting9
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography9
- Editing8
- Music Composition8
Energy
HighNerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Ex Machina is nerve-racking. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and satire.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
World
HighTechnology, the future, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around technology, the future, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Tech & Humanity10Human stories in a tech world.
- Futuristic9Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
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There is nothing more human than the will to survive.
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Questions about Ex Machina
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Ex Machina worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 82/100 (IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 92%, and Metacritic 78). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Ex Machina rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content, nudity, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Ex Machina?
1 h 48 min
Ex Machina runs 1 h 48 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Ex Machina?
Yes. Critics average 85 and audiences 81 out of 100, so both groups see Ex Machina much the same way.
Was Ex Machina a box office hit?
Yes. It cost about $15 million to make and earned $37 million worldwide, 2.5 times its budget.
What language is Ex Machina in?
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Ex Machina?
+101GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Ex Machina in 115 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Ex Machina use?
TV Tropes lists 96 storytelling tropes for Ex Machina, including Brutal Honesty, In the Back, Ending by Ascending.