(Written by Intern, Kali Coogan)
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives, so the idea of taking advantage of a robot butler does not seem that far away. Though, one might wish it were after watching sci-fi thriller, T.I.M., where writer/director Spencer Brown explores the implications of AI. We are prompted to contemplate the extent to which technology should control our daily lives. While the theme arouses some important questions, it falls short of offering a fresh perspective on the ethical issues posed by technological advancements.
Protagonist Abi (Georgina Campbell, Barbarian, Black Mirror, Bird Box: Barcelona) relocates with her husband, Paul (Mark Rowly, The Last Kingdom, Guns Akimbo, Macbeth), to the countryside to contribute to her workplace’s latest venture—T.I.M., or “Technologically. Integrated. Manservant.” Abi specializes in the engineering of hand prosthetics for humanlike robots designed to give their owner’s a life of “ease and pleasure.” As days go by, Abi’s own T.I.M. (Eamon Farren, Chained, Winchester, The Dig) soon turns malevolent as he falls in love with Abi. His growing obsession eventually presents a problem for Abi and Paul’s relationship.
Brown’s exploration of the potential consequences of unrestrained AI dominance raises relevant questions regarding the limits of technology’s influence on our lives. Ethical dilemmas emerge regarding the potential control AI might exert over personal possessions, security systems, and even voice replication. Despite these thematic undertones, the predictability of the ending offers no compensation for lethargic pacing, leaving the audience yearning for a more engaging plot.
With a theme that juxtaposes humanity with technology, the viewer is left wanting more emotionally complicated characters. The script, regrettably, offers stereotypical roles trapped in one-dimensional complications. The actors display commendable efforts within the confines of a superficial narrative, but the slow development undermines their performances. The dynamics in the story, particularly the strained relationship between Abi and Paul, fail to evoke a genuine emotional investment. While there is an attempt to infuse tension through Paul’s past infidelity, the execution falters, leaving the audience indifferent to the couple’s predicaments. The decision-making of the characters appears contrived, with questionable choices made solely to advance the plot. The resultant lack of authenticity diminishes the overall impact of the storyline. Even the setting seems to lack imagination. The house the couple moves into is modern and beautiful, but fails to convincingly embody the essence of a technologically advanced smart house.
T.I.M. falls short of capitalizing on the potential to rejuvenate this overdone science fiction narrative. The film opts for a safe and conventional approach, failing to transcend the confines of the genre. In a cinematic landscape where innovation is imperative, T.I.M. regrettably treads a well-worn path, offering little to distinguish itself from its predecessors. I wish I could say it was entertaining at least. In my opinion, if one would like to watch a similar yet more exciting story, I would recommend Disney’s Smart House instead.
Get ready to tell Alexa to play T.I.M. on demand or run to see it in theaters on January 12th…at your own risk!
