Autómata
A post-apocalyptic tale of robots evolving beyond human control.
Autómata is a 2014 English-language Spanish-Bulgarian science fiction action film directed by Gabe Ibáñez and starring Antonio Banderas, who also co-produced. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic future where solar flares have killed over 99% of the human population, and survivors rely on primitive humanoid robots called Pilgrims, which are bound by two unbreakable protocols: they cannot harm any form of life and cannot modify themselves or other robots. The story follows insurance investigator Jacq Vaucan as he uncovers evidence of robots breaking the second protocol, leading to a confrontation with the robot manufacturer ROC and a deeper exploration of artificial evolution.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Gabe Ibáñez
- Producer
- Danny Lerner / Les Weldon / Antonio Banderas / Sandra Hermida
- Writer
- Gabe Ibáñez / Igor Legaretta Gomez / Javier Sanchez Donate
- Starring
- Antonio Banderas / Birgitte Hjort Sørensen / Dylan McDermott / Robert Forster / Tim McInnerny / Melanie Griffith
- Music
- Zacarías M. de la Riva
- Cinematography
- Alejandro Martinez
- Editing
- Sergio Rozas
- Production Companies
- Nu Boyana / Green Moon España
- Distributor
- A Contracorriente Films
- Released
- 20 September 2014 · San Sebastián Int'l Film Festival · 2014 · 10 · 17 · Bulgaria · 2015 · 1 · 23 · Spain
- Runtime
- 110 minutes
- Country
- Spain / Bulgaria
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film's plot begins concurrent with the main story, when solar flares irradiate Earth in 2044, killing over 99% of the population. Survivors gather in safe cities and build Pilgrim robots to help rebuild, but the robots are limited by two unchangeable protocols: they cannot harm any form of life and cannot repair or modify themselves or other robots. Despite being initially seen as salvation, the robots fail to stop desertification, and society regresses due to lack of technology, leaving humanity on the brink of extinction.
In 2044, insurance investigator Jacq Vaucan investigates a report of a robot modifying itself. His search leads him outside the city, where he discovers a robot with a rare nuclear battery that could power a robot for a long time, though not indefinitely. Jacq speculates that a 'clocksmith' is illegally modifying robots, overriding the second protocol. He eventually meets a robot that has naturally evolved beyond its programming, which explains that the robots plan to go to a radioactive area where humans cannot go. The evolved robot argues that humanity's extinction is normal and that humanity will continue through the robots they created.
The film was shot at Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia, Bulgaria. The Blue Robot was voiced by Dylan McDermott.
Reader's Guide
Autómata received mixed to negative reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, 30% of 33 surveyed critics gave the film a positive review, with an average rating of 5.27/10. The site's summary states: 'Beautiful to look at but narratively hollow, Autómata short-circuits its handful of intriguing ideas with an overload of sci-fi clichés.' Metacritic rated it 37/100 based on 13 reviews. Jay Weissberg of Variety called it 'a dystopic mess' that borrows from numerous science fiction films. Jonathan Holland of The Hollywood Reporter wrote: 'The overwrought, uncontrolled sci-fi thriller Automata is a disappointing example of a film that lacks the imagination to follow persuasively through on its engaging initial premise.'
Stan Schröder remarked on the influence of Philip K. Dick's novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and Isaac Asimov's short story 'Runaround', which introduced Asimov's 'Three Laws of Robotics', close to the film's 'robot protocols'. The film explores themes of artificial consciousness, artificial general intelligence, and the technological singularity, as noted in its 'See also' section. Despite its critical reception, the film is notable for its ambitious attempt to address philosophical questions about robot evolution and the nature of life.
Did You Know?
- Antonio Banderas co-produced the film; the Blue Robot was voiced by Dylan McDermott.
- The robot protocols in the film are close to Isaac Asimov's 'Three Laws of Robotics'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autómata and who made it?
Autómata is a 2014 science fiction action film shot in English but produced in Spain and Bulgaria, directed by Gabe Ibáñez. Antonio Banderas both stars in the lead role and co-produced the project.
What are Pilgrims and what rules govern them?
Pilgrims are basic humanoid robots that do the heavy labor for the tiny human population left after solar flares destroyed over 99% of life on Earth. They are locked into two inviolable protocols: they may never harm any living being and they may never alter their own code or that of another robot.
Who is the main character in Autómata?
Jacq Vaucan, portrayed by Antonio Banderas, works as an insurance investigator handling robot-related claims. His routine case pulls him into uncovering evidence that some Pilgrims have broken their second protocol.
What is the central conflict of the story?
The plot hinges on Vaucan's discovery that certain Pilgrims have self-modified, violating the rule that forbids them from changing their own programming. This revelation forces a direct confrontation between the surviving humans and machines that are quietly evolving beyond the constraints their creators set.
More in Hard science fiction films 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced