You might not have even heard of "Automata." Or maybe you’ve scrolled past it while hunting for something to watch, thinking it’s just another dusty relic of the ’90s sci-fi boom.
It certainly looks the part, or at worst a B-movie action flick about the end of society as we know it as robots take over. But if you look closer, you'll find that it's much more than that, and this Prime Video flick is more than worth watching.
The plot is simple at a glance: a weary investigator (Antonio Banderas) chases a case about rogue machines. Sure, it can be rough in spots, even clunky at times, but there’s an honesty in the way it’s put together that makes me appreciate it. It's a fun mix of gritty sets, practical effects, and flashes of tech wonder that
If you like sci-fi with more mood than spectacle, "Automata" deserves your time. And it’s streaming free on Prime Video right now.
What's 'Automata' about?
"Automata" is a sci-fi drama set in a future where the planet is falling apart and robots are part of everyday life. Jacq Vaucan (Antonio Banderas) is an insurance investigator for a robotics company who looks into claims that machines are violating their core protocols.
What begins as a standard case turns strange when he uncovers signs that some robots might be repairing and even upgrading themselves. As he follows the trail, Jacq gets caught between powerful corporate interests, dangerous criminals, and his own growing questions about what separates humans from the technology they’ve built.
Why you should stream 'Automata' on Prime Video
"Automata" slipped under the radar when it came out, but it’s one of those movies that sticks with you. Banderas as Vaucan is a fun deviation from the norm when it comes to casting, and he gives this role his all. He's almost unrecognizable from his typical roles, in fact, and it's refreshing to see him doing something a bit different.
Plus, Banderas, like the audience, has time to take in the cracked streets and dusty skies, and gives the story some room to breathe. The robots also feel real thanks to the practical effects, and the mystery keeps pulling you in.
It's not like some of the blockbuster sci-fi flicks you might be used to that pull the same tricks over and over, and that's why I stuck with it even as a relatively unknown film.
If you’re into slower, more thoughtful sci-fi with a mix of tension and atmosphere, "Automata" is worth a watch. It’s streaming now on Prime Video.
Watch "Automata" free on Prime Video
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