O HORIZON - - A Decade Too Late

Review by Adam Donato

AI is taking over all facets of life and film is far from an exception. The line between reality and imitation is more blurred than ever. O Horizon delves into these concepts as its plot revolves around AI’s impact on human beings. Maria Bakalova stars as a neuroscientist who is struggling with the recent death of her father. When she gets the opportunity to speak with an AI of her father through an app on her phone, she is now able to work through the grief of the loss of life. The film is written and directed by Emmy nominated documentarian, Madeleine Rotzler. Despite her acclaim, some hold against her that she’s a nepo baby as her father is responsible for OxyContin which fueled the U.S. opioid epidemic. With some interesting names attached, can they add something of value to the AI conversation?

Rotzler’s documentary background shows through in this movie. Most of the film is shot like it’s a documentary. For a movie that’s supposed to be somewhat science fiction, it doesn’t really offer anything new to the subject. The film is reminiscent of Her, which tackled similar themes, but felt fresh because it came out a dozen years ago. People can talk to AI versions of people every day. So it’s not this dystopian exploration of our warped emotional connections to society. In a time when the public sentiment is anti AI, this movie feels like it’s looking at it from a positive angle. One that establishes that balance is the avenue to inner peace. It’s just not incredibly poignant stuff that will keep audiences thinking about it after watching.

It’s been quite the decade for Maria Bakalova. After breaking through with her Oscar nominated performance in Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm, she got many opportunities in movies like Bodies Bodies Bodies, The Apprentice, and even Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. While she’s the lead in the ensemble of Bodies Bodies Bodies, O Horizon is a real opportunity for her to carry a movie solely on her shoulders. The film gives her ample opportunities to show off her acting prowess as her character is put through this emotional rollercoaster. She’s an engaging actress that should continue to get opportunities like this. Unfortunately, she’s far and away the bright spot in this picture. David Strathairn plays the visualization of her late father and their scenes on screen together are cute. She has a key friendship with this monkey that her job is experimenting on its brain. While it's clear what the movie was trying to say with this subplot, it went on to ridiculous lengths that may take some people out of the movie.

O Horizon is about a decade too late and doesn’t have anything to add to the conversation. The concept of utilizing AI to work through your ongoing traumas is pedestrian. It doesn’t feel like the envelope was pushed quite enough as this plays it pretty light hearted. Hopefully, Bakalova continues on with her budding career as she has what it takes to be a lead.

O Horizon is available June 19th.

Rating: 2/5