In current events, a lot has been said about artificial intelligence and its impact on humanity. This documentary by Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell explores the ongoing debate: some fear AI will cause humanity’s downfall, while others see it as a path to vastly improved lives. The film examines both the benefits and risks of AI technology, presenting an intelligent and sometimes emotional response to its current state and what the future might hold.
The film follows Daniel Roher’s fascination with AI and his journey to examine what it offers the world and its negative aspects. The audience gets a glimpse into Rohrer’s life and career as an artist and filmmaker, and into his personal future for him, his wife, and his first child. As Roher navigates these potential threats and benefits, he experiences a wide range of emotions, but ultimately concludes that humanity must never relinquish all control to artificial intelligence, as it could be the end of us.
Now I know that statement might sound like a spoiler, but that sentiment is actually something felt by anyone who intelligently analyzes the good, the bad, and the ugly that can result from humanity’s reliance on AI. What makes this film more compelling and insightful is that Roher and his team take an approach that feels closer to home than any clinical analysis can offer. The film is utterly fascinating, frightening, and educational, and I believe everyone should seek it out.
What makes this documentary relatable and relevant is that Roher and Tyrell take a personal approach to the subject and often ponder on their own futures, as well as the future of all organic life on earth. I was also captivated and marveled at the low-fi hand-drawn animation the filmmakers use to show their responses to the bewildering information they are bombarded with. Artificial intelligence is a complex issue that can benefit our world in many ways, but it also poses significant risks. The main concern is: what if, one day, machines and software discover that we are so flawed that we are a detriment to this planet? It is a question that the most intelligent scientists have asked, so what would happen if an intelligent artificial intelligence asks this question?
This film presents a stark reality investigated by our scientists, and contrary to its title, it discourages any optimism about humanity’s apocalyptic future. It is unsettling and unlikely to bring comfort.