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Blank
By Tom Cassidy,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Gripping sci-fi thriller has violence, smoking, drinking.
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Blank
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What's the Story?
In BLANK, an A.I. controlled writers' retreat proves less than perfect when the system glitches, leaving writer Claire (Rachel Shelley) trapped with her unpredictable robot maid, Rita (Heida Reed). When it becomes clear she's not getting out, Claire must outsmart the all-knowing android to save herself.
Is It Any Good?
Set almost entirely in one place and with two main characters, this sci-fi thriller could easily be a good stage play. Yet that would deny Blank of its impressive cinematic quality with many standout shots demonstrating a visual flair that proves its natural home is on-screen. Making the most of its impressive actors, the movie's quietly chilling premise is both believable and relatable. Claire, the author trapped by a glitching robot, switches moods regularly. She dips into despair and then rises in defiance each time she thinks of a new idea of how to get out.
Director Natalie Kennedy's masterstroke is to sometimes let the pace slow down. This allows the audience to survey the situation and try to work out if there's a way out that Claire's not thought of yet. It makes for an immersive experience. Alongside the main story, a domestic drama unfolds in the pages of Claire's book. This occasional break from the A.I.-controlled house makes for an intelligent parallel that hints at a deeper, darker past of one character. Taking elements of isolation classics like The Shining, Ex-Machina, Misery, and Moon, Blank makes a compelling new cinematic prison that's well worth spending time in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Blank. What impact did it have? What consequences were there? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
What do you think the movie is saying about the nature of artificial intelligence? Do you think A.I. has a place in society? Why, or why not?
In what ways did Claire demonstrate perseverance? What about when she wasn't doing so well? Why do you think she turned to smoking and drinking?
Talk about writer's block. Have you ever had to create something or start a project but just couldn't get started? How did you get around the problem? What was stopping you?
Talk about the strong language in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 23, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: September 23, 2022
- Cast: Rachel Shelley , Heida Reed , Wayne Brady
- Director: Natalie Kennedy
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Pansexual actors, Black actors
- Studio: Brainstorm Media
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Robots
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Run time: 94 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: December 1, 2022
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