Archive

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 10, 2020

Genre
Science Fiction, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Theo James as George Almore
• Stacy Martin as Jules Almore / J2 / J3
• Rhona Mitra as Simone
• Toby Jones as Vincent Sinclair
• Peter Ferdinando as Melvin

Director
Gavin Rothery

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Directorial debut (Rothery is also known for his work as a conceptual designer on Moon (2009))

Producer
Philip Herd, Cora Palfrey, James Swarbrick

Writer
Gavin Rothery

Budget
Estimated $2.3 million

Production Company
Independent, Head Gear Films, Untapped

Running Time
109 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13 (for some thematic elements, language, and brief violence)

Content Advisory

• Themes of loss and grief
• Mild violence
• Artificial intelligence themes
• Brief language

Movie Story
“Archive” is a science fiction drama that follows the story of George Almore (Theo James), a scientist working on a secret project in a remote research facility. Set in the year 2038, George is developing a highly advanced artificial intelligence prototype that could potentially be a breakthrough in human-machine integration. However, George’s true motivation is deeply personal—he is attempting to create a robotic version of his deceased wife, Jules (Stacy Martin), who died in a tragic car accident.

The film delves into the complexities of George’s project, as he works on three distinct prototypes, each more advanced than the last. The first, J1, is a crude and barely functional model. The second, J2, is more sophisticated but still lacks the emotional depth and personality of a human being. The third, J3, is the most advanced, designed to replicate Jules in both appearance and mind. As George progresses with his work, the line between human and machine begins to blur, raising questions about identity, memory, and what it means to be alive.

As George comes closer to achieving his goal, he must contend with the emotional and ethical dilemmas of his creation. The film builds tension as J3 becomes more self-aware and begins to exhibit the behaviors and emotions of Jules, leading to a series of moral conflicts and a haunting realization about the nature of George’s project.

“Archive” is a thought-provoking and atmospheric film that explores themes of love, loss, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The story combines elements of sci-fi with a deep emotional core, making it a compelling narrative about the lengths one might go to bring back a lost loved one.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Archive” are impressive, particularly considering its modest budget. The design and functionality of the robotic prototypes are convincing, blending practical effects with CGI to create a believable and immersive sci-fi world. The film also uses visual effects to enhance the futuristic setting and the advanced technology that forms the backdrop of the story.

Box Office Performance
“Archive” was released in select theaters and on video on demand (VOD) platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it did not achieve significant box office success due to the limited release, it garnered attention and praise on streaming services for its intriguing story and strong performances.

Filming Locations

• Budapest, Hungary

Notable Quotes

• “It’s not just about memory. It’s about everything. Her mind, her soul… everything she was.” – George Almore
• “How far would you go to bring someone back?” – George Almore

Behind-the-Scenes
“Archive” marks Gavin Rothery’s feature film directorial debut, after gaining recognition for his work on Moon (2009) as a conceptual designer. Rothery drew inspiration from classic sci-fi films and literature, focusing on the human aspects of artificial intelligence and the ethical challenges of recreating life. The film’s production in Hungary allowed for the creation of a stark and isolated environment that underscores the themes of solitude and obsession.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Archive” is a visually striking and emotionally resonant sci-fi drama that explores the intersection of technology and humanity. Theo James delivers a compelling performance as a man driven by grief and love to push the boundaries of what is possible. The film’s slow-burn narrative and philosophical questions make it a thought-provoking watch, particularly for fans of cerebral science fiction. While it may not have the explosive action of other genre films, “Archive” excels in its intimate exploration of love, loss, and the ethics of artificial intelligence.

IMDb Rating
6.4/10