Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
AI thriller warns about the future; sex, pot use, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Simulant
What's the Story?
In SIMULANT, it's the near future, and artificial intelligence technology has transformed robots into machines that look and act like humans. When Artificial Intelligence Compliance Enforcement Agent Kessler (Sam Worthington) discovers a sim named Esme (Alica Sanz) living on her own as a human, he works to discover how this change occurred -- and what it might mean for society. Meanwhile, grieving widow Faye (Jordana Brewster) is trying to navigate the ethical consequences of her decision to create a simulant clone of her late husband, Evan (Robbie Amell).
Is It Any Good?
Just like real AI, Simulant isn't quite there yet. The concepts are good, with high emotional potential -- the film is literally about love and loss -- but it's ultimately as stunted, feelings-wise, as the robot who's on a 24-hour cleaning cycle at Evan and Faye's house. Rules of screenwriting are tossed aside, which makes the film unpredictable but also confusing. A question pulls at viewers: Who are we supposed to be rooting for? The government agency that regulates the simulants can be rough, gruff, and dangerous. And those who want to "free" the simulants seem sympathetic -- once the sims' restrictions are lifted, they believe they feel love, and shouldn't they be allowed to pursue life? But couldn't unmanned sentient tech be problematic? t's murky, and the lack of a clear point of view creates frustration and confusion. Director April Mullen clearly wanted to assemble a next-gen AI sci-fi story meant to get audiences thinking, but many of the parts appear to have been left on the table.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about AI. How do you think it could be used to better humans' lives while keeping the human experience intact and authentic?
How does Simulant compare to other movies you've seen about robots and artificial intelligence? Why do you think playing up the fear angle (i.e. robot uprisings and out-of-control AI) is so popular?
If the tech really existed, would you want a robot or simulant? What would it do for you? Do you see any ethical concerns?
Who's the main character here -- the emotional heart of the movie? How does the ending play with your sympathies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 2, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : June 2, 2023
- Cast : Robbie Amell , Sam Worthington , Jordana Brewster
- Director : April Mullen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Robots
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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