This artificial intelligence techno-thriller bares a striking resemblance to Alex Garland’s superior Ex Machina. The backdrop – an isolated laboratory in a fortified bunker; the regulation sci-fi colour palette of teal blue and concrete grey, softened with the lush green of the surrounding forest; the unearthly beauty of the synthetic life form – evokes Garland’s picture with uncanny accuracy. But Morgan suffers from the comparison in the quality of the writing. While Ex Machina was a tightly wired masterclass in playful intelligence and wit, Morgan short-circuits in the third act. Still, Kate Mara is icily compelling as the corporate risk assessor sent to appraise the extent of the problem, and the ever dependable Toby Jones offers sterling support as a scientist who is a little too emotionally invested in the project.
