Archive is a 2020 science-fiction film about a man that creates a human-equivalent AI version of his recently deceased wife.
Written and directed by Gavin Rothery, the British-American-Hungarian Independent-Hero Squared production stars Theo James (Underworld: Blood Wars; Underworld Awakening), Stacy Martin (High-Rise), Rhona Mitra (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans; Skinwalkers; Hollow Man) and Toby Jones (Kaleidoscope; Berberian Sound Studio; The Mist).
Plot:
2038: George Almore is working on a true human-equivalent AI. His latest prototype is almost ready. This sensitive phase is also the riskiest. Especially as he has a goal that must be hidden at all costs: being reunited with his dead wife…
Reviews:
“Archive is as solid as they come, but the film ultimately does little to distinguish itself from its peers. Aside from a last-minute plot twist that leaves a potent sting, Rothery’s screenplay largely rests on the conventions of human/AI works, lacking the emotionality or thematic bite to leave a lingering impact.” Battle Royale with Cheese
“Rothery tries to get operatic in the third act, hoping to pull off a few tricks instead of bringing the whole thing in for a smooth landing, and the conclusion feels artificial, going for a gut-punch when one isn’t necessary. The rest of Archive is perfectly capable of creating an engrossing study of human frailty and obsession…” Blu-ray.com
“The plot twists are many, and so are the cliches. In its attempt to create conflict, it dips into sexist tropes that diminish the story. Then, it unravels them with the last few minutes, and it’s those last few minutes that changed my perception.” RogerEbert.com
Release:
Archive will be released by Virtual Entertainment on July 10th 2020 for virtual cinema screenings, On-Demand and Digital.
In the UK, Dazzler Media released Archive on Blu-ray and DVD on 12th July 2021.
Filming locations:
Hungary
Technical details:
109 minutes
Trailer:
