Film Review - Subservience (2024)

Subservience is the kind of film we’ve all seen before, but like M3gan, it uses AI as its central premise. It mixes horror with suspense, and while it doesn’t completely succeed in pulling it off, it’s still an enjoyable watch. The suspense is well-paced, and though the film is predictable, it’s another attempt to create a story set in the future. The exact year isn’t specified, but there’s a sense that times are changing. While it’s by no means a blockbuster, the film is lavishly produced.

Megan Fox leads the cast, successfully blending beauty with menace. For the most part, she pulls it off due to her commitment to the role, aiming to make her character captivating to the audience before terrifying them as she transforms into the robot from hell. She is well-supported by Michele Morrone and Madeline Zima, who bring a stoic presence typical of films in this genre. Many more films like this will likely be made, and while it may not have lasting appeal, it is part of a new wave of cinema that will continue to grow.

It was also refreshing to see a film set in a location not widely known to global audiences—Bulgaria. The setting was well chosen, and credit goes to the producer for staging it there. Too often, films are set in alluring locations as a substitute for substance, but Subservience strikes the right balance, which is a definite plus.

The film follows a father, who drinks excessively, as he tries to cope with a challenging domestic situation. His wife is in the hospital, leaving him to juggle home life with two children and a day job. Enter Megan Fox, and the fun begins. The film was directed by S.K. Dale, who has been directing since 2012, though this is the first of his work I’ve seen. He previously worked with Fox in Till Death, and their collaboration here results in a nuanced performance. The special effects were impressive and enhanced the film for me. While Subservience is described as a sci-fi project and draws comparisons to The Terminator and Ex Machina, it still offers something unique.

Both The Terminator and Ex Machina depicted a future shaped by AI, and as we reach the midpoint of this decade—a time full of both hits and misses—it’s clear that AI is here to stay, and lifelike robotics are slowly becoming a reality. What starts as an ideal situation in the film soon turns into a nightmare from hell. The film is available on streaming platforms like Apple, Amazon Prime, and YouTube, ensuring it reaches as wide an audience as possible.

I’m giving the film three stars because S.K. Dale is clearly a director to watch. He’s gearing up for projects that will both challenge and excite him, and it’s clear he wants to build an audience that appreciates his filmmaking style. I plan on watching Till Death, as I’d like to see more of the collaboration between Dale and Fox.