Movies: Artificial Justice (2024) by Simón Casal: A Chilling Look at a Future Without Human Justice

The Threat of a Soulless System: Artificial Justice (2024), originally titled Justicia artificial, is a Spanish-Portuguese political science fiction thriller directed by Simón Casal. The film is set in the near future of 2028, where the Spanish government is considering a referendum to fully implement an artificial intelligence system, "THENTE 1," to replace human judges. The goal is to automate and depoliticize the justice system. The story follows Judge Carmen Costa, a renowned legal expert who is invited to work on the project's development. However, her trust in the system is shattered when the AI's creator, Alicia Kóvack, mysteriously disappears. As Carmen investigates, she uncovers a vast conspiracy that aims to use the AI to manipulate justice for powerful interests.

Why to watch this movie & A Timely and Terrifying Look at AI's Power:

• A Highly Relevant Sci-Fi Premise: The film's plot directly tackles the very real and current debate about the role of artificial intelligence in society, making it a timely and thought-provoking watch.

• A Gripping Political Thriller: Beyond its sci-fi elements, the film is a taut and suspenseful political thriller, blending noir and conspiracy genres to create a compelling and tense narrative.

• A Stellar Cast: The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Verónica Echegui as the determined protagonist, and is supported by Goya Award winners Tamar Novas and Alberto Ammann, adding significant weight to the performances.

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/justicia-artificial (Germany), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/justicia-artificial (France), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/justicia-artificial (Spain)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23739442/

Link Review: https://www.filmink.com.au/reviews/artificial-justice/

About movie: https://www.acontracorrientefilms.com/movie/artificial-justice-1?whereToWatch=watch-at-home

What is the Trend followed? & The Rise of Near-Future Dystopian Thrillers: The film follows the trend of near-future thrillers that are set in a world only slightly more technologically advanced than our own.

• AI as a Narrative Engine: This trend uses artificial intelligence not as a "bogeyman" but as a tool that can be manipulated by humans for their own gain, raising complex questions about ethics and power.

• Genre Blending: The film's unique blend of sci-fi, political thriller, and noir reflects a growing trend of filmmakers breaking free from traditional genre constraints to tell more layered and complex stories.

• The Human vs. Machine Debate: The film taps into the ongoing cultural conversation about the value of human intuition and emotion in a world increasingly dominated by automation and algorithms.

Director's Vision & From Philosophical Debate to Gripping Reality: Simón Casal's vision for the film was to take the philosophical debate on artificial intelligence and ground it in a gripping, human-driven thriller. He wanted to focus on the ethical implications of a world where justice is cold, objective, and devoid of empathy.

• AI as a Tool, Not the Villain: Casal has stated that he wanted to shift the focus from a "man vs. machine" narrative to one where the real danger lies in the hands of the people who program and control the AI.

• Creating Urgency: By setting the film in the very near future, the director adds a sense of urgency and realism to the story, making the events feel uncomfortably close to home.

• A Human Face to a Technological Issue: Casal gives the audience a human face for the conflict in the character of Judge Costa, who must reconcile her belief in humane justice with a system that promises efficiency and impartiality.

Themes & The Human Cost of Automated Justice:

• Justice vs. Efficiency: The central theme is the conflict between a justice system based on human empathy and the promise of a perfectly efficient, automated one.

• Control and Conspiracy: The film explores the frightening possibility of a powerful conspiracy to control the justice system from the shadows, with the AI serving as the perfect tool for their agenda.

• Ethics in Technology: The film raises critical ethical questions about who is responsible for the decisions made by an AI and whether a machine can ever truly understand concepts like guilt and innocence.

• The Erosion of Humanity: By showing a world where justice is without human touch, the film poses a question about what it means to be human and what we lose when we cede control to technology.

Key success factors & A Timely Premise and Strong Execution:

• High-Stakes Plot: The film's premise—the fate of a nation's justice system—is a powerful hook that immediately draws in the audience.

• Acclaimed Cast: The presence of award-winning actors adds significant star power and credibility to the project.

• Festival and Critical Buzz: The film's world premiere at the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival and its subsequent screenings at other major festivals, including the Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival, have generated positive buzz.

• Relevance: The film's subject matter is incredibly timely, as public debate around the ethics and dangers of AI is at an all-time high.

Awards & Nominations & A Strong Start on the Festival Circuit: Artificial Justice had its world premiere at the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival in June 2024. It was also an official selection at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival.

Critics Reception & A "Thought-Provoking" and "Gripping" Thriller:

• Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival: A review from the festival praised the film as an "intelligent, noir-ish thriller" that is a "thought-provoking watch, not just for movie buffs, but, indeed, for all of us." The reviewer specifically highlighted the film's focus on the people behind the AI, rather than the technology itself.

• Overall Summary: The critical reception has been highly positive. Reviewers have commended the film for its intelligent script, its tense atmosphere, and its timely exploration of a crucial technological and ethical issue. The consensus is that the film is a smart and engaging thriller that will resonate with audiences who are concerned about the future of AI.

Reviews & A Human Face to a Digital Problem:

• Overall Summary: Early reviews from film festivals highlight the film's success in giving a "very human face" to an urgent technological question. Viewers who have seen the film praise its ability to build tension steadily and its focus on the powerful interests at play, making it a compelling and unsettling experience.

What Movie Trend film is following & The Ethical Sci-Fi: The film follows the trend of "ethical sci-fi," a sub-genre that uses futuristic concepts to explore pressing moral and ethical questions in the present day. These films often serve as a warning or a thought experiment about the direction society is headed.

What Big Social Trend is following & The AI Revolution and its Discontents: The film is directly connected to the major social trend of the AI revolution and the anxieties it has created. It taps into widespread concerns about job displacement, the loss of human control, and the potential for new technologies to be used for social and political manipulation. The film's plot, with its focus on the depoliticization of justice, is a direct commentary on the ongoing debate about AI's role in public institutions.

Final Verdict & A Smart and Unsettling Glimpse into the Future: Artificial Justice is a smart, tense, and highly relevant film that will leave audiences questioning the future of technology and its impact on our lives. With a gripping plot, strong performances, and a bold directorial vision, it is a significant contribution to the sci-fi and political thriller genres. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in a film that is not only entertaining but also a chilling and thoughtful reflection on our current world.