I’m Not a Robot (2024)

I’m Not a Robot Review

I’m Not a Robot is a 2024 Dutch science fiction short film directed by Victoria Warmerdam. It’s a terrific film.

After repeatedly failing CAPTCHA tests, music producer Lara becomes obsessed with a disturbing question about whether she could be a robot. This is an exceptional genre film that explores complex themes about artificial intelligence and humanity. Free will is its main subject and the movie through its robot protagonist asks us to grapple with our own fears of determinism. How much autonomy do we really have is the film’s most horrifying question.

Victoria Warmerdam did a wonderful job directing this movie. The dialogue is for the most part subtle and well written. The script is fantastic with a premise that is perfect for science fiction. The movie is also solidly shot and superbly scored with the final song in the credits being quite haunting in its lyrics. Ellen Parren, however, is the highlight of the picture. Her performance is so nuanced, perfectly conveying Lara’s fears and anxieties. I just wished that her boyfriend wasn’t such a clichéd character and just a plot device. I loved the film’s unique work setting, but even more could have been done with it.

I’m Not a Robot is a terrific SF short that executed its superb premise mostly stupendously. The acting and directing are both phenomenal and the film is thematically rich and rewarding.

My Rating – 4.3