At its core, film is about exploring what it means to be human. It captures how we connect, grow, and process emotions, both individually and as a society. So what’s with all the robot movies?
For decades, robots have fascinated filmmakers, appearing in movies long before real-life technology could bring them to life. From the scheming Maschinenmensch in “Metropolis” to HAL in “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and from Robby the Robot in “Forbidden Planet” to Johnny Five in “Short Circuit,” robots have often been sci-fi’s go-to villains, sidekicks, or comic relief.
But as AI becomes a growing part of our reality, the way we portray robots in films has evolved. Movies like “AI: Artificial Intelligence,” “Ex Machina,” “I’m Your Man,” and “After Yang” don’t just feature robots; they make them central characters, pushing us to consider what it means to be human. While the original “Blade Runner” felt rooted in distant sci-fi, its sequel, “Blade Runner 2049,” presents a future that feels uncomfortably near.
Even in animated films like “The Wild Robot,” which opens at The Triplex this week, we see robots transcending their programming to form relationships and explore emotions. These films suggest that the essence of humanity lies not in our biology but in our ability to connect, empathize, and evolve.
As we grapple with the growing presence of AI in our lives—from its impact on jobs to the dystopian fears of a Skynet-like future—filmmakers have increasingly turned to robots to reflect on the emotional and existential questions that affect us all. After all, what is more human than learning how to be more human?
Now Playing
“Close to You”
Elliot Page returns to the screen in a raw, moving story of acceptance.
Actress Hillary Baack joins us for a special screening of her new film on Saturday, September 28!
A moving, raw story of a trans man returning to his hometown after spending years away, “Close to You” follows Sam (Oscar nominee Elliot Page) as he confronts his relationship with his family, reunites with a first love, and discovers a newfound sense of confidence.
After the screening, we will sit down with Hillary to discuss the making of the movie (which was largely improvised and filmed in chronological order) and her experiences working as a deaf actress in theater and film.
“Transformers One”
Roll out with the robots in disguise in this animated origin story!
Action packed, funny, and surprisingly emotional, “Transformers One” is a throwback to the franchise’s ‘80s-cartoon roots. Featuring the voice talents of Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, and more, “Transformers One” is an origin story that follows robots-in-disguise Optimus Prime and Megatron as they turn from friends to foes.
“My Penguin Friend”
Jean Reno stars in this heartwarming, real-life family adventure.
Based on an incredible true story, “My Penguin Friend” is a crowd-pleasing family adventure starring screen legends Jean Reno (“Leon: The Professional”) and Adriana Barraza (“Babel”). When humble fisherman João (Reno) rescues a stranded penguin, DinDim, from an oil spill, he rediscovers joy for the first time in years. But when DinDim returns to the ocean, an extraordinary bond is formed as the penguin regularly travels 5,000 miles to reunite with his friend.
“The Critic”
A twisty revenge thriller with Sir Ian McKellan.
A wickedly entertaining tale of revenge, “The Critic” sees Sir Ian McKellan dig into his role as Jimmy Erksine, a powerful theater critic in 1930s London. When Jimmy is fired from his job as chief theater critic, he enlists a young actress (Gemma Arterton) to help blackmail his former boss into giving him his job back.
Part of our Limited Engagement series, “The Critic” plays at The Triplex from September 27 through October 3.
Coming Soon
“Paris, Texas”
As quietly powerful today as it was upon its release 40 years ago, The Triplex is thrilled to have Wim Wenders’ “Paris, Texas” as part of our Limited Engagement series. The story follows an amnesiac (Harry Dean Stanton) who wanders out of the desert and begins to piece together his life by reconnecting with his son (Hunter Carson) and searching for his missing wife (Nastassja Kinski), “Paris, Texas” is an iconic alt-Western that continues to inspire.
Part of our Limited Engagement series, Paris, Texas plays at The Triplex from October 4 through 10.
“Joker: Folie à Deux”
The sequel to Todd Phillips’ Oscar-winning original, “Joker: Folie à Deux” follows Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck as he goes on trial for his crimes, incites a revolution, and finds true love with his own Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga) along the way. A gritty, sensational comic book/musical mashup, “Folie à Deux” is unlike any superhero (or villain) movie you have ever seen.
“Lee”
The true story of the pioneering war photographer, Kate Winslet brings Lee Miller to life in “Lee.” Depicting a decade in the life of the fashion model turned surrealist photographer who risked everything to depict the atrocities of World War II, Lee is a stirring tribute to the pursuit of truth in a world looking to ignore it.
Part of our Limited Engagement series, Lee plays at The Triplex from October 11 through 16.
