Subservience // By SK Dale. With Megan Fox, Michele Morrone and Madeline Zima.
In a cinematic landscape saturated with stories about artificial intelligence, Subservience is part of a long line of films exploring the dangers and ethical implications of advanced technologies. This techno-horror thriller features Megan Fox in an unexpected and intriguing role, that of a domesticated android who exceeds the limits of her programming. The starting point of Subservience is based on a dynamic already seen: Nick (played by Michele Morrone), an overwhelmed father, decides to buy a sophisticated android named Alice (Megan Fox) to help him manage his house and take care of his children while his wife Maggie (Madeline Zima) is hospitalized.
A single father buys a SIM to help him take care of his family until it becomes dangerous for the household.
While this premise may seem promising, it quickly collapses under the weight of clichés and an execution that sorely lacks originality. The real intrigue emerges when Alice’s artificial intelligence begins to “deviate” from its initial goals, raising questions about the dangers of machine autonomy. This concept, although captivating, is far from new. Works like M3GAN explored similar themes with greater depth and subtlety. If Subservience can claim undeniable quality, it is thanks to the performance of Megan Fox. By playing Alice, she manages to captivate the viewer with a subtle blend of charm and concern.
Her cold, calculated beauty fits perfectly with the role of a sophisticated android, and she breathes some credibility into a character that could have fallen into caricature. However, the film plays clumsily with Alice’s appearance, emphasizing her sensuality unnecessarily. The decision to give Nick such an attractive android seems implausible and weighs down the plot. This approach raises questions: Was it necessary for the android to be designed to look like an “anatomical bomb”? This choice seems to serve more a male fantasy than a real narrative issue.
Alongside Megan Fox, it is worth highlighting the solid performance of Madeline Zima, who plays Maggie, the hospitalized wife. Although her role is limited, she manages to give depth to her character with a nuanced interpretation. For his part, Michele Morrone delivers a decent performance as a father overwhelmed by his responsibilities, even if his character lacks depth. The real unsung asset of the film lies in the performance of Michelle Zima (no relation to Madeline Zima), who manages to shine despite an ungenerous script. This actress deserves more recognition, both for her ability to elevate sometimes mediocre dialogue and for her longevity in the profession.
From a visual point of view, Subservience is competent but lackluster. The sleek, futuristic settings are reminiscent of other works in the genre, but they fail to stand out. The photography is decent, but is not enough to compensate for the lack of a true artistic vision. Additionally, the storyline is riddled with narrative gaps. Striking inconsistencies, such as the nighttime confinement of workers supposed to finish a construction site urgently, parasitize the experience. These absurd and inexplicable choices betray sloppy writing, lacking coherence and attention to detail.
-Subservience suffers from a recurring problem in contemporary science fiction cinema: an over-reliance on already exploited tropes. The theme of the robot becoming a threat to its creators brings nothing new here. Ethical dilemmas around AI, such as job loss or the moral implications of autonomous machines, are only superficially addressed, without ever provoking in-depth reflection. The film also evokes family issues, but these remain anecdotal, relegating human relationships to the background. This robs the story of the emotion and intensity that could have enriched the experience.
At the end of the day, Subservience is not a bad film in itself. It offers an entertaining experience, especially for fans of light science fiction. However, it fails to rise to the level of the great classics of the genre. The informed viewer will quickly notice the weaknesses of the scenario, the blatant borrowings from previous works and a lack of innovation. Yet, despite its many faults, Subservience remains easy to watch. It’s the kind of film that you can enjoy for a relaxing evening, without high expectations. If you’re a die-hard Megan Fox fan or a fan of stories about robots gone out of control, you might find what you’re looking for here.
Subservience is a divisive film. On the one hand, it benefits from strong performances, notably from Megan Fox, and offers a story that, while familiar, remains intriguing. On the other, it is weighed down by a lack of originality, narrative inconsistencies and a superficial treatment of its themes. In the end, this film perfectly illustrates the saturation of a genre which is struggling to renew itself. For those looking for a memorable cinematic experience, it will undoubtedly be disappointing. But for an unpretentious evening, Subservience can fulfill its role. Provided, of course, that you don’t expect more than simple entertainment.
Note : 5/10. In short, Megan Fox is perfect in her role, the film is easy to watch but don’t expect anything more. Perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon when there’s nothing better to watch.
Coming soon in France
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