Writer/director Edwards certainly is making a name for himself in what I might call the "elevated sci fi" genre, the style of science fiction focused on big ideas and social commentary, perhaps in the vein of an Asimov. His first film, Monsters, was one of my favourite films of 2010, his Godzilla was almost too heady for mainstream audiences, and Rogue One is arguably one of the all time best Star Wars movies.
His latest, The Creator is a big swing and it doesn't always quite succeed, but it is never boring and its themes are fascinating. He has woven a story exploring the essence of humanity into a smart adventure story that pulls at your heart strings. He is bold in so defiantly upending American audience's expectations with a sort of "reverse" Terminator where the machines are the good guys and the humans the bad. In this case specifically it's westerners and Americans who are the "bad guys" which has the chilling effect of making us see things through a lens where our common ideas are introverted and we have to reevaluate our values. He sets the film in a Vietnam like setting further encouraging the idea of a failed war set on dubious grounds.
The film's storyline can be a bit heavy handed sometimes and the story is just a little big for this movie's runtime meaning there are plot moments that feel rushed or jump to conclusions in a way that's not always earned. But the story itself is sold and the questions it makes us ask are valid. It pushes hard on some of the morals to the story which can feel a bit preachy, but it makes a compelling case against xenophobia. And the story is gripping enough even if there are a few too many coincidences to feel truly organic.
The cast is strong, including new comer Voyles giving the film the weight that it needs to pull it off. Edwards knows how to film a story in a way that imbues it with emotion and heft while also delivering on great action. I often advocate for shorter runtimes over longer as these stories often have so much filler. Mosts "streaming" series would be improved by shortening them to a feature length film runtime. Less often truly is more. But perhaps The Creator is a good example of a story that needed more time to flesh it out entirely. What's here is good and I recommend it for a good watch, but The Creator feels like it is busting at the seams a bit.
The Creator
Starring: John David Washington, Madeleine Yuna Voyles, Gemma Chan, Allison Janney, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson
Director: Gareth Edwards
Writers: Chris Weitz, Gareth Edwards
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