The Creator is filled with breathtaking imagery, massive sets, intense action, and an emotional story. It could be the next great Science Fiction epic.
A scene still from 20th Century Studios’ THE CREATOR. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Science Fiction fans will be thrilled to learn that the next great epic is upon us. The Creator is a true Sci-Fi film. North America is at war with New Asia over the use of Artificial Intelligence, something that feels strangely relevant to the year 2023, even though it is set in the future.
This film is absolutely gorgeous with stunning visuals that transport viewers to a different, but relatable, world. It is action packed and well acted, and at the core is an extremely emotional story that is going to tug at the heart strings of the audience.
Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. The Creator would not exist without the labor of the writers and actors in both unions.
A scene still from 20th Century Studios’ THE CREATOR. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
The story follows an ex-special forces agent, Joshua (John David Washington), who is recruited to hunt down and kill the elusive architect of advanced AI, also known as The Creator. It seems that a powerful weapon that could turn the tides of the war has been developed.
It doesn’t take long before Joshua and his fellow soldiers discover that the world-ending weapon is actually an AI in the form of a young child.
Madeline Voyles as Alphie in 20th Century Studios’ THE CREATOR. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
As with the majority of great Science Fiction films, the movie feels like a combination of the past and the future. Because of the New Asia setting, we see older ways of doing things, such as farming, as well as early religion. At the same time the vehicles fly and there the advanced AI robots and simulants that are fighting in the war make it clear we are in a futuristic time.
When Gareth Edwards first started writing this movie, AI was a long way off, but now, this movie is more relatable than ever. 2023 has seen a lot of advancements in technology, with no sign of slowing down. The Creator feels like events that could take place, should certain things play out the same way they do in the movie.
(L-R): John David Washington as Joshua and Madeleine Yuna Voyles as Alphie in 20th Century Studios’ THE CREATOR. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
At the core of this movie is Alphie (Madeleine Yuna Voyles), the lovable and innocent AI child who is tasked with a heavy burden. Joshua becomes entangled with Alphie, unwillingly at first, and the two form a bond that is enough to warm anyone’s hearts. It might be for selfish reasons at first, but it becomes more than that.
Without the right actors to play these two, especially Alphie, the movie does not work. Without their relationship being believable, the movie falters. Both do a phenomenal job and it feels as if they truly bonded in real life.
Alphie is sweet and funny. She is also strong willed and brave. She might not completely understand what is going on around her, but she is always willing to help. That is what makes her so special. And is why the audience will be rooting for her from the start.
Ken Watanabe as Harun in 20th Century Studios’ THE CREATOR. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
The Creator doesn’t waste any time jumping into the action, which makes it feel very rushed at first. We don’t know the characters or the world well enough, and all of a sudden feel thrust into a war. However, things eventually slow down and we are given the time we need to become invested, and thankfully there are no more pacing issues later on.
When it comes to the plot itself, the down to Earth moments are broken up nicely by intense action. Things certainly get violent, so be sure to keep that in mind. Nothing is overly disturbing however. Just remember, this takes place during a war, so is fighting and death.
A still on the set of 20th Century Studios’ THE CREATOR. Photo by Glen Milner. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
As for the multiple plot points that are included to keep the story moving forward, there is some convenience. It might feel like a stretch at times, but is very much done to ensure a runtime that is not overly ridiculous (it is already over two hours). There is a little bit of predictability involved, however there are still a fair amount of twists and surprises.
There are important lessons being portrayed in The Creator, such as treating everyone how you would want to be treated. Just because someone looks different, doesn’t mean they don’t have feelings. Other races, and yes, other species, deserve respect. Humans are inherently scared of things they don’t have control over, and things they don’t understand. That is a heavy theme throughout this film.
Madeline Voyles as Alphie in 20th Century Studios’ THE CREATOR. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Alphie is the heart of The Creator and without her, the movie wouldn’t work nearly as well as it does. That said, there is a lot to love about this film. It is visually stunning and set in gorgeous real life locations. It doesn’t skimp when it comes to anything — from the vehicles, to the action, to the emotion.
The Creator is one of those movies that you will want to see time and time again, especially if you are a Science Fiction fan. Be sure to see it on the big screen when it hits theaters on September 29th.
Rating: 4 out of 5
NEXT: The Creator Director Gareth Edwards Reveals Inspirations
About The Creator
As a future war between the human race and artificial intelligence rages on, ex-special forces agent Joshua is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI. The Creator has developed a mysterious weapon that has the power to end the war and all of mankind.
As Joshua and his team of elite operatives venture into enemy-occupied territory, they soon discover the world-ending weapon is actually an AI in the form of a young child.
The Creator comes to theaters on September 29th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.