A grief-stricken spouse left empty and lost by the death of their partner? A company hell-bent on keeping this person from realizing their tragic ambitions? It’s not new ground by any means, but it’s the ground upon which Gavin Rothery‘s sci-fi thriller “Archive” treads.
Featuring Theo James, Stacy Martin, Toby Jones, and Rhona Mitra, Rothery’s tale of love and loss roots its themes in old wisdom: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. It’s a fascinating concept, one that has been done before but can be explored again if done compellingly.
Here’s the synopsis for ‘Archive:’
2038: George Almore is working on a true human-equivalent AI. His latest prototype is almost ready. This sensitive phase is also the riskiest. Especially as he has a goal that must be hidden at all costs: being reunited with his dead wife.
Sounds like familiar territory, right? Luckily, given Rothery’s extensive involvement in sci-fi/fantasy filmmaking, we’re sure to be in for a few surprises. In addition to his credits on “Moon,” he has also worked as an artist on notable video games, 2004’s “Fable” being among his biggest accomplishments. He seems to pretty solid knowledge about what has been done and what works so there’s reason to be optimistic about his latest endeavor.
Theo James is no stranger to high-concept, sci-fi films, having starred in futuristic YA franchise, “Divergent.” He also recently starred in the sci-fi film, “Zoe,” from filmmaker Drake Doremus. Martin, on the other hand, is primarily known for her indie and international work, with her biggest roles being in films such as “Nymphomaniac,” “All the Money in the World,” and “Vox Lux.” So, we’ll have to see how she handles this sort of feature.
“Archive” will be available on digital, on-demand, and through virtual screenings on July 10. Check out the full trailer for the film below: