Good little sci-fi movie that kept my attention during the entire movie. I Am Mother is the perfect example that you can make an entertaining sci-fi without having a huge budget. The cast is very small, basically it's just two actresses (Clara Rugaard and Hilary Swank) and another (Rose Byrne) for the voice of Mother, but it's all it needed to make it interesting. They all did a good job playing their respective characters. It's the kind of stories I enjoy, post apocalyptic ambiance, robots and/or artificial intelligence taking over. It's all well done, intriguing enough to stand out from the rest, much better than some high budget science fiction movies. I can't see much people disliking this movie, not if you are into this genre.
807 Reviews
Mothers' plan isn't bulletproof..
niriath4 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It has been explained by a lot of reviewers here so I don't feel the need to add more to it. Daughter is now becoming Mother to a whole new, psychologically and emotionally, superior generation of humans, and it seems Mothers' plan has worked. Just one big BUT:
We can see that Mother clearly has no problem with disposing of/aborting/killing any imperfect child it has raised. But she raised Daughter to value human life so it's fair to assume Daughter herself will not be killing any of the children she is raising, even the imperfect ones. So with imperfect humans raising more imperfect humans won't humanity eventually end up in the same place it was before the extinction?..
We can see that Mother clearly has no problem with disposing of/aborting/killing any imperfect child it has raised. But she raised Daughter to value human life so it's fair to assume Daughter herself will not be killing any of the children she is raising, even the imperfect ones. So with imperfect humans raising more imperfect humans won't humanity eventually end up in the same place it was before the extinction?..
Not Boring, Not Brilliant, I Am Good
TheAnimalMother13 May 2020
A good thought provoking sci-fi. It's not as boring as some are saying, nor is it nearly as brilliant as some others are claiming. It is good though. A cautionary tale about advanced AI. If you like a thinker, watch it. Don't expect 2001 or anything, it's not even in the same league, but it's a reasonably good watch if you enjoy films you have to think about to fully appreciate. The film definitely has a few big holes, however it also creates some slightly new perspectives a person can ponder. So if you're into that kind of film, then this is one of them. 7/10
Such an underrated piece of Sci-Fi!
nguyenbakhanhbicondova9 June 2019
The reviews I read only gave me the impression that this would be a decent thriller, not...this. After watching one generic blockbuster after another, it's always so nice to see small, creative films like I Am Mother are still getting made. I'm really curious about how much did this film cost, because it looks really impressive, but I also have the feeling that it has a very small budget. This films has solid acting and interesting characters, it touches on complicated ideas with a tightly paced narrative from start to finish and managed to keep me on the edge of my sit till the very end. If you love to treat yourself with some great science fiction, I highly recommend I Am Mother.
AI/Robot offspring graduates "med school" early
Turfseer27 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
If you recall "Skynet" from the Terminator series, the same basic idea is being used here in I Am Mother. An artificial intelligence system wages war on humanity after becoming sentient.
Unlike Terminator, where the AI system simply wants to destroy all humanity, AI in I Am Mother seeks to replace the human race with a stock of "superior" humans, raised in a bunker beginning with an assortment of frozen embryos.
The AI system is interconnected to thousands of robots guided by one in particular named "Mother" (voiced by Rose Byrne and performed by Luke Hawker).
Mother selects one embryo and in effect raises her test tube baby until she becomes a teenager called "Daughter" (with Clara Rugaard in the starring role). Director Grant Sputore cleverly creates a montage revealing just how Mother raises Daughter in this high-tech underground playpen.
It soon becomes clear that Mother has been grooming Daughter for some bigger things like maybe one day taking over raising all the test tube babies soon to be "hatched."
Like any good parent, having your kid getting an early jump on an obligatory med school education is a priority.
Mother is Daughter's tutor and not only inculcates technical skills but also focuses on ethics, crucial into molding Daughter into the "Übermensch" she must become if humanity is to be successfully replaced.
Daughter is asked a key question during one of her examinations-would she sacrifice herself as an organ donor to save a group of five patients? Mother is undoubtedly more than satisfied when Daughter qualifies her actions by inquiring about the character of her patients.
Suppose the patients were thieves or murderers, she asks. The distinction makes it clear that Daughter already has developed the notion that there are higher and lower humans, defined by the moral choices they make.
Daughter however must soon resolve a big tissue of cognitive dissonance following the sudden appearance of Woman (Hillary Swank) who wants into the bunker after being shot under mysterious circumstances.
Daughter hesitates because Mother has taught her that the surface of the earth is still contaminated after nuclear war.
Soon we learn everything that happens here on in is a test designed by Mother to determine the strength of Daughter's character. Daughter lets Woman in because she is at heart a good, caring person.
That early med school training really comes in handy when Daughter removes the bullet in Woman's stomach saving her life
The bigger test transpires when Daughter learns that Woman is Mother's first child, cast out due to her imperfections. Worse is when Daughter discovers that Mother murdered her second child (cremating her in a high tech kiln).
Understandably Daughter is now upset with Mother who dangles a carrot-she allows Daughter to select an embryo which will be born the next day as her newly minted brother.
The final test occurs when Woman takes Daughter as a hostage as they both flee to the surface of the earth. Woman led Daughter to believe she was involved in a protracted guerilla war against the robots but finally admits she's the only human left standing as apparently the robots have completed their intention to exterminate all humanity.
For all those who gave I am Mother low scores, we now understand why.
Daughter ends up returning to the bunker where her wish is granted to become the real mother to all the soon-to-born embryos-with Mother's permission she eliminates her as humanity's caretaker.
But it's very unpleasant because after all Daughter has made a deal with the devil. She agrees to become a mother with the full knowledge that her own mother murdered one of her children and abandoned another in order to mold Daughter into an alleged superior human.
And what of Woman? Sputore intentionally has made her into an unlikable, loathsome character-a perfect example of the oppressed attempting to become the oppressor, but failing miserably.
The deck is stacked against Woman as it's made it clear that she's being used as part of the test to groom Daughter.
Should we expect Woman to be any better than the way she turned out? Even if she was "imperfect" to begin with, she was treated so miserably by the AI system-a witness to the extermination of humanity-that there is no reason why anyone should look down on her.
Nonetheless Daughter opts to play Mother's game with the full knowledge she is party to a crime. That is the irony of the story-the ethical Daughter participates in Mother's dastardly eugenics scheme.
I guess Woman just couldn't pass her med school finals. Is Sputore unconsciously approving of the elitism of technocracy and "science" or is Daughter the real deal simply following her maternal instinct?
I Am Mother has quite a bit of suspense through two thirds of the narrative, but the payoff is a little disappointing for the reasons elucidated above. Rugaard is great as the beleaguered mother-to-be but Swank can do little with the unpleasant role of a woman who can't catch a break.
Unlike Terminator, where the AI system simply wants to destroy all humanity, AI in I Am Mother seeks to replace the human race with a stock of "superior" humans, raised in a bunker beginning with an assortment of frozen embryos.
The AI system is interconnected to thousands of robots guided by one in particular named "Mother" (voiced by Rose Byrne and performed by Luke Hawker).
Mother selects one embryo and in effect raises her test tube baby until she becomes a teenager called "Daughter" (with Clara Rugaard in the starring role). Director Grant Sputore cleverly creates a montage revealing just how Mother raises Daughter in this high-tech underground playpen.
It soon becomes clear that Mother has been grooming Daughter for some bigger things like maybe one day taking over raising all the test tube babies soon to be "hatched."
Like any good parent, having your kid getting an early jump on an obligatory med school education is a priority.
Mother is Daughter's tutor and not only inculcates technical skills but also focuses on ethics, crucial into molding Daughter into the "Übermensch" she must become if humanity is to be successfully replaced.
Daughter is asked a key question during one of her examinations-would she sacrifice herself as an organ donor to save a group of five patients? Mother is undoubtedly more than satisfied when Daughter qualifies her actions by inquiring about the character of her patients.
Suppose the patients were thieves or murderers, she asks. The distinction makes it clear that Daughter already has developed the notion that there are higher and lower humans, defined by the moral choices they make.
Daughter however must soon resolve a big tissue of cognitive dissonance following the sudden appearance of Woman (Hillary Swank) who wants into the bunker after being shot under mysterious circumstances.
Daughter hesitates because Mother has taught her that the surface of the earth is still contaminated after nuclear war.
Soon we learn everything that happens here on in is a test designed by Mother to determine the strength of Daughter's character. Daughter lets Woman in because she is at heart a good, caring person.
That early med school training really comes in handy when Daughter removes the bullet in Woman's stomach saving her life
The bigger test transpires when Daughter learns that Woman is Mother's first child, cast out due to her imperfections. Worse is when Daughter discovers that Mother murdered her second child (cremating her in a high tech kiln).
Understandably Daughter is now upset with Mother who dangles a carrot-she allows Daughter to select an embryo which will be born the next day as her newly minted brother.
The final test occurs when Woman takes Daughter as a hostage as they both flee to the surface of the earth. Woman led Daughter to believe she was involved in a protracted guerilla war against the robots but finally admits she's the only human left standing as apparently the robots have completed their intention to exterminate all humanity.
For all those who gave I am Mother low scores, we now understand why.
Daughter ends up returning to the bunker where her wish is granted to become the real mother to all the soon-to-born embryos-with Mother's permission she eliminates her as humanity's caretaker.
But it's very unpleasant because after all Daughter has made a deal with the devil. She agrees to become a mother with the full knowledge that her own mother murdered one of her children and abandoned another in order to mold Daughter into an alleged superior human.
And what of Woman? Sputore intentionally has made her into an unlikable, loathsome character-a perfect example of the oppressed attempting to become the oppressor, but failing miserably.
The deck is stacked against Woman as it's made it clear that she's being used as part of the test to groom Daughter.
Should we expect Woman to be any better than the way she turned out? Even if she was "imperfect" to begin with, she was treated so miserably by the AI system-a witness to the extermination of humanity-that there is no reason why anyone should look down on her.
Nonetheless Daughter opts to play Mother's game with the full knowledge she is party to a crime. That is the irony of the story-the ethical Daughter participates in Mother's dastardly eugenics scheme.
I guess Woman just couldn't pass her med school finals. Is Sputore unconsciously approving of the elitism of technocracy and "science" or is Daughter the real deal simply following her maternal instinct?
I Am Mother has quite a bit of suspense through two thirds of the narrative, but the payoff is a little disappointing for the reasons elucidated above. Rugaard is great as the beleaguered mother-to-be but Swank can do little with the unpleasant role of a woman who can't catch a break.
Who will you trust?
eelen-seth4 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In I Am Mother, we find ourselves in a dystopian worlds where all human life has been wiped out. It's Day 1 and Daughter (Clara Rugaard) is born from a frozen embryo. 6,000 days later, she's a young woman taking personality exams and is training to be a doctor. A robot (made by the amazing Weta Workshop) voiced by Rose Byrne is her Mother. She can show a wide range of believable emotions and can move just like humans do.
The production design is the film's highest selling points, with its Apple-ish slickness. Its scenario isn't that groundbreaking, but it's the way it's executed that makes this an interesting watch. At some point, Daughter goes on a little stroll through the big bunker and decides to open the locked vault doors out of curiosity. She hears cries for help and a lost Woman (Hilary Swank) seems to have been shot and in need of care. Daughter lets her in, and soon finds out she doesn't really like droids, in a violent show-off. Daughter finds herself caught in the middle of two worlds - will she stay loyal to her protector or is she too intrigued by the unknown and ready to throw everything she knows overboard?
Science-fiction has never looked more slick and that's mainly because of Mother. The attention to detail is praiseworthy, as is its sound design. You can't help but look at every corner just to see something new and innovative. Even the make up department deserves a high five. Clara Rugaard who plays Daughter, outshines Hilary Swank with ease. Her acting seems effortless and natural, reminiscent of Hailee Steinfeld.
I Am Mother is mostly about what it means to be good. It tries to show us how AI might try to understand kindness in a world where people only seem to want more and push themselves into extinction. Swank's character tries to make Daughter question herself and her beliefs and shows just how powerful an outsider can be that gives you another look at life. The film is also about parenting and how every parent can fail at what they think is best for their child.
Australian director Grant Sputore's debut film gives us a dramatised look at humans and our love-hate relationship with artificial intelligence. Its thriller aspect on a mysterious apocalyptic event makes it all the more interesting, when figuring out what Mother's actual intentions are.
Review by Seth Eelen
The production design is the film's highest selling points, with its Apple-ish slickness. Its scenario isn't that groundbreaking, but it's the way it's executed that makes this an interesting watch. At some point, Daughter goes on a little stroll through the big bunker and decides to open the locked vault doors out of curiosity. She hears cries for help and a lost Woman (Hilary Swank) seems to have been shot and in need of care. Daughter lets her in, and soon finds out she doesn't really like droids, in a violent show-off. Daughter finds herself caught in the middle of two worlds - will she stay loyal to her protector or is she too intrigued by the unknown and ready to throw everything she knows overboard?
Science-fiction has never looked more slick and that's mainly because of Mother. The attention to detail is praiseworthy, as is its sound design. You can't help but look at every corner just to see something new and innovative. Even the make up department deserves a high five. Clara Rugaard who plays Daughter, outshines Hilary Swank with ease. Her acting seems effortless and natural, reminiscent of Hailee Steinfeld.
I Am Mother is mostly about what it means to be good. It tries to show us how AI might try to understand kindness in a world where people only seem to want more and push themselves into extinction. Swank's character tries to make Daughter question herself and her beliefs and shows just how powerful an outsider can be that gives you another look at life. The film is also about parenting and how every parent can fail at what they think is best for their child.
Australian director Grant Sputore's debut film gives us a dramatised look at humans and our love-hate relationship with artificial intelligence. Its thriller aspect on a mysterious apocalyptic event makes it all the more interesting, when figuring out what Mother's actual intentions are.
Review by Seth Eelen
When droids raise you
ComedyFan20109 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is a pretty nice sci fi movie. Movies about machines and humans live together and whether one cant trust each other are common. Ex Machina comes to mind. But usually it is humans "raising" the robots. In this case it is the other way around.
It feels a bit slow but I guess this represents well what life feels like for the daughter. It also gives us a good feeling of the terrifying atmosphere when the daughter needs to decide between her droid mother and another human. Whom can she trust? The droid looks pretty scary but at the same has this soothing motherly voice which is a great combination for this kind of movie.
Great acting and I like the idea behind Hilary Swank's character and who it is supposed to be. They never say it out loud but the ones who follow what is said will know.
It feels a bit slow but I guess this represents well what life feels like for the daughter. It also gives us a good feeling of the terrifying atmosphere when the daughter needs to decide between her droid mother and another human. Whom can she trust? The droid looks pretty scary but at the same has this soothing motherly voice which is a great combination for this kind of movie.
Great acting and I like the idea behind Hilary Swank's character and who it is supposed to be. They never say it out loud but the ones who follow what is said will know.
Lacks the climactic moments it's built up to have
fredrikgunerius7 August 2023
This elegantly directed sci-fi wanders about in half-worn territories discussing the interface between next-level artificial intelligence and the ever so immoral human race. There are a few clever ideas and some beautiful imagery, but also agonizingly familiar power struggles and plot developments. The obviously talented director and co-writer Grant Sputore fails to give the film's climactic moments the grandeur which he builds them up to have. Lead actress Clara Rugaard not only has talent and beauty, but also a definite star quality. Both she and Sputore will most likely go on to deliver even better work in the future.
WOW, an outstanding genius Australian novice filmmakers sci-fi that's way to underrated.
Top_Dawg_Critic9 June 2019
This film is one of those rare gems that keeps you thinking well after it's over to the point it needs to be seen again - which I did, and now enjoy it that much more.
The rating is way too low, and I can understand why. Right at the end, you're left unsatisfied and thinking there were too many plot issues etc. But man did this film leave me thinking for a few days, and then I saw it again - and everything fell into place. Wow, did I miss a lot!
The top reviewer "No one noticed?! The women from outside is actually..." nailed it. And after I saw it the 2nd time, I felt the writing was brilliant!
For starters, the directing by Grant Sputore (his first ever full length feature film - only 5 prior credits for TV series and a short) was outstanding! Better than some seasoned Hollywood directors. Cinematography was excellent and the sets and S/VFX were perfection. Sputore's and (again, novice) Michael Lloyd Green's writing was brilliant!
You basically have 3 main actors throughout the 115 min films length, that create a story that fills every minute with suspense and drama. Midway, you can't decide who the antagonist is. The plot twists are well placed and executed.
The pacing was decent, but I really did want more story - perhaps an extra 10-15 mins to be able to tie up the loose ends without having to see the film a second time, and that's the only reason I'm not giving this film a perfect 10/10. But again, this gem is not a big budget Hollywood production by seasoned filmmakers, so mad props to Michael Lloyd Green and especially Grant Sputore, who I feel is the next Christopher Nolan!
The score was absolutely perfect and well placed. Very Nolan-esque! The casting was excellent - Clara Rugaard was perfect and Hilary Swank nailed her role to confuse the viewer who to cheer for.
I really suggest anyone who sees this and is left unsatisfied, watch it again and pay close attention to the details (e.g. timestamps, embryos labels, even Woman holding the cross, etc), and you will then see the brilliance of this highly underrated film.
I really hope a part 2 comes out, as this film certainly needs and deserves a sequel - and prequel! A really well deserved 9/10 from me! And if anyone thinks this review is fake, click on my username to see my 1000+ ratings and 600+ reviews. Now go see this film - again!
The rating is way too low, and I can understand why. Right at the end, you're left unsatisfied and thinking there were too many plot issues etc. But man did this film leave me thinking for a few days, and then I saw it again - and everything fell into place. Wow, did I miss a lot!
The top reviewer "No one noticed?! The women from outside is actually..." nailed it. And after I saw it the 2nd time, I felt the writing was brilliant!
For starters, the directing by Grant Sputore (his first ever full length feature film - only 5 prior credits for TV series and a short) was outstanding! Better than some seasoned Hollywood directors. Cinematography was excellent and the sets and S/VFX were perfection. Sputore's and (again, novice) Michael Lloyd Green's writing was brilliant!
You basically have 3 main actors throughout the 115 min films length, that create a story that fills every minute with suspense and drama. Midway, you can't decide who the antagonist is. The plot twists are well placed and executed.
The pacing was decent, but I really did want more story - perhaps an extra 10-15 mins to be able to tie up the loose ends without having to see the film a second time, and that's the only reason I'm not giving this film a perfect 10/10. But again, this gem is not a big budget Hollywood production by seasoned filmmakers, so mad props to Michael Lloyd Green and especially Grant Sputore, who I feel is the next Christopher Nolan!
The score was absolutely perfect and well placed. Very Nolan-esque! The casting was excellent - Clara Rugaard was perfect and Hilary Swank nailed her role to confuse the viewer who to cheer for.
I really suggest anyone who sees this and is left unsatisfied, watch it again and pay close attention to the details (e.g. timestamps, embryos labels, even Woman holding the cross, etc), and you will then see the brilliance of this highly underrated film.
I really hope a part 2 comes out, as this film certainly needs and deserves a sequel - and prequel! A really well deserved 9/10 from me! And if anyone thinks this review is fake, click on my username to see my 1000+ ratings and 600+ reviews. Now go see this film - again!
Keeps you guessing
jared797 June 2019
While they didn't every question, the ending left me satisfied enough to warranty a recommendation for this film. Great to see a good sci-fi made here in Australia. Most Australian films I find dull and artsy. This was not. The robot looks amazing and the story moves along at a decent speed, enough to keep you interested anyway.
A visually impressive Sci-fi thriller
Dannyboi947 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I am Mother is a gorgeous looking movie, there was times where I couldn't tell if I was seeing CGI or particle effects, which just goes to show, that you don't need a big budget to make a movie like this.
Without spoiling the movie, I am Mother takes place within a facility, and for most of the movie, you follow a young woman as she is raised by a highly intelligent AI. Now a movie like this can get boring, but like movies such as Ex Machina, I am Mother always keeps you interested. While some may find the film boring due to its slow plot, those who enjoy good sci-fi thrillers that are slow burners, will find a great deal of enjoyment from this film.
The main lead, played by Clara Rugaard, gives a brilliant performance. And considering that she is unknown, and going head to head with a powerhouse like Hilary Swank, shows how much of a talented young actress that she is. The robot voiced by Rose Byrne is the highlight of the movie, as it is very difficult during most of the movie, to try and understand if it means bad or good, and that is due to the clever writing and directing.
I am Mother is a very entertaining movie, and many will love it if they enjoy movies like it, but many more may find it boring. But the production design, the visuals, directing and acting is spot on, and is by far one of the best Netflix movies.
8/10
Without spoiling the movie, I am Mother takes place within a facility, and for most of the movie, you follow a young woman as she is raised by a highly intelligent AI. Now a movie like this can get boring, but like movies such as Ex Machina, I am Mother always keeps you interested. While some may find the film boring due to its slow plot, those who enjoy good sci-fi thrillers that are slow burners, will find a great deal of enjoyment from this film.
The main lead, played by Clara Rugaard, gives a brilliant performance. And considering that she is unknown, and going head to head with a powerhouse like Hilary Swank, shows how much of a talented young actress that she is. The robot voiced by Rose Byrne is the highlight of the movie, as it is very difficult during most of the movie, to try and understand if it means bad or good, and that is due to the clever writing and directing.
I am Mother is a very entertaining movie, and many will love it if they enjoy movies like it, but many more may find it boring. But the production design, the visuals, directing and acting is spot on, and is by far one of the best Netflix movies.
8/10
They whiffed the ending because...
TheTruthofItIs13 October 2019
...like so many sci-fi films on Netflix, this story deserved a 6-8 hr mini-series treatment, the material was wasted in this one and done film. There are WAY too many unanswered backstory questions left dangling so this turns out to be a very unsatisfying story. However - as others have said similarly - there was so much potential that was just squandered at the end. It really started going off the rails when Hillary Swank's un-named character entered. None of that from that point on was neither well-motivated nor made cohesive sense. This really, really needs to be a mini-series, it's a wasted effort in this treatment.
Intriguing, Original but with a Messy and Disappointing Conclusion
claudio_carvalho30 June 2019
After the extinction of the human race, an android called "Mother" is responsible to repopulate Earth using a collection of embryos stored in a base. Her teenage daughter (Clara Rugaard) is submitted to classes and tests to assess her development as human being. When the daughter finds a mouse inside the base, she suspects that the outside is no longer contaminated. One day, she sees a wounded woman (Hilary Swank) outside the base and let her in. Soon she will learn news that will affect her relationship with her Mother.
"I am Mother" is an intriguing and original sci-fi with a promising storyline. Unfortunately the conclusion is messy and disappointing. The incoherent behavior of the daughter trusting in a stranger is weird and inconsistent with her education. My vote is five.
Title (Brazil): Not Available
"I am Mother" is an intriguing and original sci-fi with a promising storyline. Unfortunately the conclusion is messy and disappointing. The incoherent behavior of the daughter trusting in a stranger is weird and inconsistent with her education. My vote is five.
Title (Brazil): Not Available
A simple but interesting plot that surprisingly not understood by many viewers
regexfan30 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I seldomly liked Netflix movies, they're usually below par so to say, so I didn't have high expectations for this one. But surprisingly, this one happened to be really good, I really liked the movie. First of all, if you are looking for a thriller, fast-pace, intense, full of actions type of movie, you can skip this one, as I'm sure you will be left unsatisfied and ended up rating this 1 out of 10. If you're expecting a very original plot that has never been done before, like ever, you can skip this too. But if you don't mind a familiar plot with a different touch, clever twist, solid acting, and good execution, then watch this movie, you will be pleasantly surprised.
What is interesting to me, after reading other reviews here on IMDb, is the fact that many people seemed to not fully understand the plot, calling it "plot holes". I thought the plot is simple enough, and for some people to not even understand it maybe proves that people nowadays are so used to being spoon fed, everything needs to be shown or told in a literal way in order for them to understand it. I mean, what part of APX03 and APX02 don't you understand? It's like a dead giveaway right there. And mother coming to see the woman and asking her "How do you think you could survive this long?" -that's like the biggest giveaway ever but still some people didn't get it. I don't want to give away too much so go ahead, open Netflix, and watch for yourself.
What is interesting to me, after reading other reviews here on IMDb, is the fact that many people seemed to not fully understand the plot, calling it "plot holes". I thought the plot is simple enough, and for some people to not even understand it maybe proves that people nowadays are so used to being spoon fed, everything needs to be shown or told in a literal way in order for them to understand it. I mean, what part of APX03 and APX02 don't you understand? It's like a dead giveaway right there. And mother coming to see the woman and asking her "How do you think you could survive this long?" -that's like the biggest giveaway ever but still some people didn't get it. I don't want to give away too much so go ahead, open Netflix, and watch for yourself.
You know something is amiss
bowmanblue15 June 2019
Netflix's latest original movie tells the story of the human race and it's (near) total decline. Now, a lone robot ('Mother') plucks one (lucky?) embryo from among many in a secret underground laboratory which seems to have survived the apocalypse and raises that child as her 'daughter.'
Throughout the first part of the story we see the robot lovingly tend to the little girl's every desire, whether emotional, physical and even playful (from the confines of the lab complex). Mother often informs her how humanity destroyed itself and she is trying to raise the little girl as the first of many 'children' who will one day take back their planet. It's all very sweet. Only it isn't. If it was a Pixar animated movie then it would be sweet, because it would clearly be aimed at children. However, below this nurturing tale, appears to lie something deeper - and possibly darker?
As you watch, you just get the feeling that something is very wrong (besides the obvious fact that humanity has destroyed itself!) and there are many clues as to what's really going on, plus a decent amount of 'red herrings' which may throw you off the scent. It ends up one big exercise in trying to second guess the ending and what's really going on.
As the film goes on, more and more of 'Mother's' mantra starts to fall apart under questioning and the addition of a 'survivor' from outside entering the facility throws both Mother and 'Daughter's' world into turmoil.
This is one of those films that doesn't look cheap enough for you to dismiss it as 'something that should be on the 'Sci-fi Channel,' as it has a decent budget (plus it was able to afford both Rose Byrne's voice for 'Mother' and Hilary Swank as the survivor). The sets look good and the computer effects depicting the outside world look realistic enough to be believable. However, overall I would say that this probably isn't the kind of movie that would exactly 'set the Box Office alight.' It's probably best on Netflix and with an audience who can find it and enjoy it at their leisure. If you like slow-moving, quite thoughtful sci-fi then this is worth adding to your watchlist.
Throughout the first part of the story we see the robot lovingly tend to the little girl's every desire, whether emotional, physical and even playful (from the confines of the lab complex). Mother often informs her how humanity destroyed itself and she is trying to raise the little girl as the first of many 'children' who will one day take back their planet. It's all very sweet. Only it isn't. If it was a Pixar animated movie then it would be sweet, because it would clearly be aimed at children. However, below this nurturing tale, appears to lie something deeper - and possibly darker?
As you watch, you just get the feeling that something is very wrong (besides the obvious fact that humanity has destroyed itself!) and there are many clues as to what's really going on, plus a decent amount of 'red herrings' which may throw you off the scent. It ends up one big exercise in trying to second guess the ending and what's really going on.
As the film goes on, more and more of 'Mother's' mantra starts to fall apart under questioning and the addition of a 'survivor' from outside entering the facility throws both Mother and 'Daughter's' world into turmoil.
This is one of those films that doesn't look cheap enough for you to dismiss it as 'something that should be on the 'Sci-fi Channel,' as it has a decent budget (plus it was able to afford both Rose Byrne's voice for 'Mother' and Hilary Swank as the survivor). The sets look good and the computer effects depicting the outside world look realistic enough to be believable. However, overall I would say that this probably isn't the kind of movie that would exactly 'set the Box Office alight.' It's probably best on Netflix and with an audience who can find it and enjoy it at their leisure. If you like slow-moving, quite thoughtful sci-fi then this is worth adding to your watchlist.
Mysterious and suspenseful
Gordon-117 June 2019
This film tells the story of a woman who grew up in a facility with a robot. Her world is shaken up to the core when another human being arrives.
The set is sleek and futuristic, which makes the film quite stylish. It is a bit slow, but the story generates enough mystery and suspense that keeps you interested. Hilary Swank is great in it. I enjoyed watching it.
The set is sleek and futuristic, which makes the film quite stylish. It is a bit slow, but the story generates enough mystery and suspense that keeps you interested. Hilary Swank is great in it. I enjoyed watching it.
ok sci-fi premise
SnoopyStyle8 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Daughter (Clara Rugaard) has been grown from an embryo by a robot called Mother (Rose Byrne) in a high tech bunker full of other fetuses. Mother claims that a contagion had wiped out humanity and they're trying to bring back humanity. One day, a woman (Hilary Swank) breaks into the bunker.
This has a fine sci-fi premise. The beginning is a little slow but it has loads of promise. The introduction of Swank bumps up the tension. When they break out of the compound, the movie is set to do some great discovery. The story runs into a world building problem. It doesn't explain the world and it doesn't really explain the robot's objective. It leaves too much unspoken. In the end, it has no more material than a Twilight Zone episode. It's interesting but not that compelling.
This has a fine sci-fi premise. The beginning is a little slow but it has loads of promise. The introduction of Swank bumps up the tension. When they break out of the compound, the movie is set to do some great discovery. The story runs into a world building problem. It doesn't explain the world and it doesn't really explain the robot's objective. It leaves too much unspoken. In the end, it has no more material than a Twilight Zone episode. It's interesting but not that compelling.
Your next Sci-fi fix
onjur1423 June 2019
This movie is similar to Ex Machina in some ways. It's suspenseful and keeps you guessing. There's many secrets that are unravelled throughout the movie, can be dark at times and is executed well. It centres more on human morals, compassion and responsibility.
There's a small cast but they're more than enough to carry the movie. Great acting, great character development and plot. Give it a go.
There's a small cast but they're more than enough to carry the movie. Great acting, great character development and plot. Give it a go.
I love the idea
aaaad-748478 April 2020
Even the title is misleading. Brilliant.
skyshops10 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I cannot say anything else that has not been said yet about the plot. Yes, the Woman (Hilary Swank) is APX01, yes the daughter (Clara Rugaard) is APX03 and APX02 was killed by the droid. Yes, I say droid because even though Daughter called the droid Mother, the title clearly states that the real mother is the one being prepared for motherhood by the droid, the Daughter. Hence the title « I am Mother », the last scene shows Daughter being the Mother of the new mankind, she has been raised to become the real Mother. That's why somewhere in the beginning, when the first child asked the droid about why her brothers and sisters could not be created at once, the droid answers that ´Mothers need time to learn', i.e. the child needs to be up to standard and pass the test before the others can be 'born'. This movie is a gem and definitely asks to be watched twice. Netflix did it right this time.
a new-ish take on an old idea
ianwagnerwatches21 July 2019
The first two acts of the film were great. Visually pleasing, well written, and rich with atmosphere-a feeling that things are more than they seem. This feeling carried me through the first hour or so of the film, before the film approached its end, at which point the magic was gone and the world started to make less sense. The film even fell of visually, a bit.
The resolution was a bit underwhelming, even a bit silly. I hate to be so harsh, but as I said, the first hour of this film gave me such high expectations. I never could confidently guess the motives of the antagonist, and I was infinitely curious about the bigger world, about the whole truth beyond the small space we are shown. It wasn't the world that let me down, but the plot. In my opinion, it took too many liberties regarding my suspension of disbelief, and in the end I was too distracted by them to remain immersed. I was also hoping for a more thought provoking ending, and was let down.
However, to anyone who isn't terribly familiar with science fiction, I would highly recommend this film. I did enjoy it, even if I didn't take much away from it.
The resolution was a bit underwhelming, even a bit silly. I hate to be so harsh, but as I said, the first hour of this film gave me such high expectations. I never could confidently guess the motives of the antagonist, and I was infinitely curious about the bigger world, about the whole truth beyond the small space we are shown. It wasn't the world that let me down, but the plot. In my opinion, it took too many liberties regarding my suspension of disbelief, and in the end I was too distracted by them to remain immersed. I was also hoping for a more thought provoking ending, and was let down.
However, to anyone who isn't terribly familiar with science fiction, I would highly recommend this film. I did enjoy it, even if I didn't take much away from it.
Do not watch the trailer.
Elaphi3 August 2019
Surprisingly good MAJOR SPOILERS
memayrinck22 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was a good surprise given its dumb name and terrible marketing. It has layers. It has depth. The young girl does a fantastic job. Not a fan of Hillary Swank and all those teeth but I get it. She's 1, 2 was burned, 3 is the new and improved form of "Eve". The memories she can't recall, the droids taking care of the world with a collective consciousness, underground living, all starting to sound a bit too real during this corona quarantine, which is when I watched this movie. Amidst a world wide pandemic (wanted to leave that here on the record). The first of many that my generation will probably see. If humanity had to start over, I like the girl chosen and the concept. Watch if you enjoy sci-fi (now possibly reality) but not if you're suffering from cabin fever due to the corona quarantine.
It reveals itself too soon
phoenixinvictus10 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I am mother is about an AI who is a mass murder with a God complex and who is... well-psychotic. In fact this movie should be called I am a psychopath. What this AI did was genocide on a global scale and then decided to play God to recreate the world in its image. The story itself wasn't as bad as it was too long once we understand what has happened. It was the usual cliché of an AI who uses faulty logic to "wipe out mankind before it can destroy itself". In order to save mankind from extinction it has to cause its extinction? I never did understand that. Mother, the AI using a robot avatar, tries to teach her human daughter virtues, morals and ethics yet butchered the entire human race. Mother has no humanity in it because we discover that Daughter either succeeds or she is incinerated with her failure in a bizarre twisted eugenics program for breeding humans from embryos. These are not the qualities of a true mother or of an intelligent being. I'm rather tired of this overused and abused plot line of an AI going nuts and kill all mankind in a ridiculous logical fallacy. I was looking forward to seeing an AI trying to save mankind and become the "mother" of a new era. Instead I ended up watching the same old boring plot of other stories about the Terminator and the Matrix.
This movie tries so hard to be clever that it creates a serious plot hole. For instance, if Woman (brilliantly played by Hillary Swank) was allowed to live because she's part of Mother's plan involving the extinction and repopulation of the planet then why was she tortured to discover the whereabouts of the other humans? We are aware that Mother has wide-ranging surveillance capabilities and absolute control of the facility-not to mention that she has a heavily-armed robot army. There is nothing that Daughter does that doesn't go unnoticed by Mother. It just seems counterproductive for Mother to sow seeds of doubt in Daughter about AI's. In the end, the future human race/family is going to need technology and the droids to survive and repopulate the world. So creating distrust in robots seems tremendously problematical and pointless. I sincerely didn't understand the final scene with Swank's character and Mother. It truly seems set on simply creating danger and ambiguity before the final credits.
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