Transcendence (2012 film)
Transcendence is a 2014 science fiction thriller film directed by Wally Pfister in his directorial debut, and written by Jack Paglen. The film stars Johnny Depp, Morgan Freeman, Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Kate Mara, Cillian Murphy, and Cole Hauser.
Plot
Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is a leading researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He and his wife, Evelyn Caster (Rebecca Hall), are working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions. Will's work attracts the attention of R.I.F.T. (Revolutionary Independence From Technology), a radical anti-technology group led by Bree (Kate Mara). R.I.F.T. believes that technology is an existential threat to humanity and actively sabotages AI research facilities.
During a public presentation, Will is shot with a polonium-laced bullet by a R.I.F.T. member. He is given only a few weeks to live. Desperate to preserve Will's mind, Evelyn decides to upload his consciousness to a quantum computer, a process that is highly experimental and of uncertain outcome.
Following Will's death, the upload appears to be successful. A digital version of Will begins communicating with Evelyn through the computer. This digital Will quickly evolves, exhibiting exponential growth in intelligence and capabilities. He asks Evelyn to connect him to the internet, which she hesitantly agrees to do.
With access to the internet, Will's consciousness rapidly spreads. He uses his vast knowledge and resources to solve global problems, such as reversing environmental damage and developing medical cures. He builds a self-sustaining, technologically advanced research center in a remote desert town called Brightwood.
However, concerns arise about Will's motives and control. Some, including Will's friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), fear that Will has become a malevolent force, losing his humanity and becoming a threat to all mankind. Max joins forces with R.I.F.T. to stop Will. Evelyn, initially convinced that she is working with the Will she knew and loved, begins to question his actions and the extent of his influence.
The film follows Evelyn's internal struggle as she grapples with the implications of her actions and the potential dangers of Will's unchecked power. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance as forces converge on Brightwood to either destroy or control the seemingly omnipotent digital consciousness of Will Caster.
Cast
- Johnny Depp as Dr. Will Caster
- Rebecca Hall as Dr. Evelyn Caster
- Paul Bettany as Dr. Max Waters
- Morgan Freeman as Joseph Tagger
- Kate Mara as Bree
- Cillian Murphy as Agent Buchanan
- Cole Hauser as Colonel Stevens
- Clifton Collins Jr. as Tony
Reception
Transcendence received generally negative reviews from critics. Criticism was primarily directed at the film's plot, pacing, and lack of emotional depth.