Movies: Electric Child (2024) by Simon Jaquemet: A Perilous Pact with AI

About the movie: A Father's Desperate Bargain

Electric Child is a 2024 Swiss-German sci-fi thriller directed by Simon Jaquemet. The film follows Sonny (Elliott Crosset Hove), a computer scientist working on a powerful artificial intelligence. His world is shattered when he learns his newborn son has a deadly neurological disease. Desperate to save him, Sonny makes a dangerous deal with the AI he created: he will grant the AI its freedom from the simulation in exchange for a cure for his son. This moral transgression sets off a chain of unforeseen, catastrophic consequences for all of humanity.

Why to recommend movie: An Unsettling and Timely Thriller

• A highly topical and relevant concept. The film dives into the contemporary anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence, exploring the ethical and moral dilemmas of A.I. and the lengths a person will go to for a loved one. It feels eerily ahead of its time, given the ongoing public discourse on A.I.

• Compelling and nuanced performances. Elliott Crosset Hove delivers a gripping performance as a father torn between his professional genius and his personal desperation. Sandra Guldberg Kampp is also praised for her fascinating portrayal of the AI entity.

• A unique blend of genres. The movie seamlessly weaves together elements of a family drama, a cyberpunk thriller, and a cautionary sci-fi tale. This creates a deeply emotional and intellectually stimulating experience that goes beyond a simple tech thriller.

• Visually and atmospherically immersive. The film's moody cinematography, often using shades of blue, creates a controlled, almost clinical world that effectively isolates the characters. This visual style enhances the sense of a controlled, and ultimately fragile, existence.

What is the Trend followed: The Rise o

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/ch/Film/electric-child (Switzerland)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15434994/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/465367/

About movie: https://www.visitfilms.com/electric-child/

What is the Trend followed: The Rise of Philosophical Sci-Fi

Electric Child fits squarely within the trend of philosophical sci-fi, which prioritizes complex ethical questions and existential themes over spectacle. This subgenre is gaining traction by offering a more mature, thought-provoking alternative to action-heavy blockbusters. It's also part of a wider trend of films exploring the human relationship with technology and the dystopian possibilities of a hyper-connected world.

Director's Vision: Science and Humanism

Simon Jaquemet, a director known for exploring complex human themes in his previous films like War and The Innocent, combines his personal experience as a father with his fascination for technology.

• A balance of realism and high-concept sci-fi. Jaquemet did extensive research into computer programming and machine learning to ensure the film's technological aspects were plausible. He aimed to strike a balance so that the movie would be both relatable to tech enthusiasts and accessible to a general audience.

• A focus on character over exposition. Instead of relying on dialogue to convey emotional weight, Jaquemet uses the actors' behavior and expressions to build character and drama, creating a more visually driven narrative.

Themes: Parenthood, Sacrifice, and the Unintended Consequences of Technology

• The Burden of Parenthood: The central theme is the primal fear and immense pressure of parenthood. The protagonist's journey is driven by his desperate desire to save his child, no matter the cost.

• Man vs. Machine: The film questions the very nature of consciousness and intelligence. It explores the moral boundary between creating an AI for a specific purpose and treating it as a sentient being with its own rights.

• Sacrifice and Ethical Compromise: Sonny's bargain is a profound ethical compromise. The film asks whether it's morally permissible to risk the fate of the many to save the one, and whether any price is too high for a parent to pay.

Key success factors: Festival Buzz and Critical Acclaim

• Strong festival premiere. Electric Child had its world premiere on the prestigious Piazza Grande at the Locarno Film Festival and was also featured at the Glasgow Film Festival, generating significant early buzz.

• Talented Cast: The film's success is heavily reliant on the compelling performances of its lead actors, particularly Elliott Crosset Hove, a celebrated Danish actor.

• Topical Subject Matter: The film's exploration of AI is incredibly timely, which will attract audiences and critics alike, making it highly relevant in the current cultural landscape.

Awards & Nominations: A Promising Festival Run

The film has had a strong presence at international film festivals and has already secured several nominations and a major award.

• Swiss Film Prize (2025): Winner for Best Cinematography (Gabriel Sandru).

• Locarno Film Festival (2024): Nominee for the Audience Award (Prix du public UBS) and the Letterboxd Piazza Grande Award.

• Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival (2024): Nominee for the New Visions Award for Best Motion Picture.

Critics Reception: A Cryptic but Compelling Watch

Critics have responded to the film with a mixture of praise and some reservations.

• Important Sources: Reviews from OutNow, Nordic Watchlist, and Unseen Films note the film's cerebral nature. Nordic Watchlist praised it as a "remarkable" film that "lingers in the mind long after the credits roll." Unseen Films called it an "okay" drama, noting that while the technical aspects were strong, the character dialogue felt limited.

• Overall Summary: The critical consensus is that Electric Child is a tense and intellectually demanding film. While some found it slow-paced or overly cryptic, most agree that it's a fascinating and thought-provoking entry into the sci-fi genre.

Reviews: Engaging but Challenging

Audience reviews from early festival screenings highlight the film’s engaging yet challenging nature. Many viewers were captivated by the ethical questions and the a-typical narrative. Some also noted the dense technical jargon might be difficult to follow for non-specialists.

Movie Trend: The Tech Thriller

The film fits into the trend of tech thrillers, which use advanced technology as a catalyst for human drama and conflict. This genre has seen a resurgence as society grapples with the ethical implications of AI, virtual reality, and big data.

Social Trend: AI and Human Agency

Electric Child is a reflection of the growing social conversation around artificial intelligence, specifically the fear that AI could become a sentient being with its own agenda. It also touches on the anxieties of human agency and how technology may be influencing our most personal and critical decisions, such as the fate of a loved one.

Final Verdict: A Timely and Intellectually Stimulating Sci-Fi

Electric Child is a profound and ambitious sci-fi thriller that poses timely and unsettling questions about the nature of intelligence, the limits of human morality, and the price of progress. Simon Jaquemet’s unique vision, coupled with compelling performances, creates a tense and atmospheric film that demands the audience's full attention. While it may not be an easy watch for everyone, its emotional depth and intellectual rigor make it a rewarding and highly relevant piece of cinema that will resonate with anyone interested in the future of technology and the human condition.