Marjorie Prime (dir. Michael Almereyda)
Adapted from theatre to screen Marjorie Prime is the story of a near future in which our loved ones can remain with us via the wonder of artificial intelligence.
Marjorie’s memory is fading, dementia is taking hold but her family have given her a ‘Prime’ that takes the form of her husband Walter (Jon Hamm). They sit together, converse, reflect and remember days gone by in order to maintain some sense of normality for her.
This is the wonder of technology, the potential of Artificial Intelligence, there is no threat here, no growing evil and yet in the background her daughter Tess (Geena Davis) and son in law Jon (Tim Robbins) debate the benefits and potential negatives of this new found tech.
Is Marjorie over reliant on Walter?
Is this technology a comfort or is it a crutch?
Jon sees the benefits and sits at night with Walter helping him learn more about Marjorie, providing him with memories and facts about the real Walter in order to help Marjorie. He also uses Walter as a quasi-counsellor helping expel his stresses, feelings about life and the inevitable path they are on as Marjorie continues to weaken and the memories continue to fade.
There are so many films that raise concerns around artificial intelligence, the dangers, the pitfalls. Majorie Prime highlights the pros and the cons and leaves it to the viewer to decide which side they choose, reach their own decisions and extol the virtues as they see fit. It may feel small and indie as small, but the questions asked make Marjorie Prime a great, challenging watch.
Marjorie Prime is a film that may have passed you by, a small cinematic release and very little publicity make a film with such a strong cast and relevant subject area retain a sense of small indie project. It deserves much more recognition for tackling issues that are sadly all too prevalent and is definitely worth seeking out!
Marjorie Prime is available via the NOW TV movie pass.