I'm Not a Robot (2024)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

After being unable to pass a Captcha test, Lara (Ellen Parren) is forced to question whether or not she’s a robot. As the evidence against her becomes increasingly damning, I’m Not a Robot explores Lara’s response to her predicament–touching on topics such as self-discovery, self-preservation, and free will. 

I’m Not a Robot is entirely about Lara, as she remains front and center throughout the course of the film. Director of Photography Merlijn Snitker makes a series of decisions that allow this to remain possible–often circling Lara, creating a dizzying effect that envelopes viewers throughout. This decision intensifies the film, and provides a physical representation of the thoughts spiraling out of control in Lara’s head. While we are constantly moving around Lara, she remains prominently featured in the center of the screen. Furthermore, that circling effect harkens back to the idea that I’m Not a Robot revolves around Lara–a sentiment that Writer-Director Victoria Warmerdam clearly wants viewers to understand. 

I’m Not a Robot is certainly a film about self discovery, exploring all the possibilities of who and what we are (with a particular focus on the idea of a woman’s control of her own body). However, given the recent discussions surrounding artificial intelligence and the ability to use the likeness of just about anyone at any given moment, I’m Not a Robot is introduced to the world at the perfect time. It questions ideas of morality throughout, and uses aspects of modern-day conversation to develop a connection between itself and its audience. 

Parren, her character grappling with the idea of whether or not she’s a robot, must be able to convey a sense of both humanity and rigidity that permeates the entirety of the film in order to build suspense and keep the audience engaged. She manages to blend the two in a way that had me questioning the truth until the final moments of the film. Once I’m Not a Robot concluded, I still questioned whether or not Lara was a robot. That is, of course, a testament to Warmerdam’s script and direction–but even more so to Parren’s performance, keeping viewers on their toes, playing along as the narrative moved forward. 

I’m Not a Robot is incredibly funny, brilliantly intertwining humor with intense discussion that surrounds real, nearly tangible issues among these characters. The content of the film is certainly not funny, touching on some heavy topics throughout. However, the writing and direction of Warmerdam allows comedy to be incorporated into the film with ease, and in a way that doesn’t detract from the intensity that exists at the heart of the film. 

In a blend of genres, I’m Not a Robot sheds light on a series of hot topics–but does so in a way that makes them accessible, and the audience willing to listen. The narrative is brilliantly paced and effectively executed. Parren leads a group of talented actors, but plays the role of Lara with such aplomb that her journey becomes intoxicating. I’m Not a Robot is an immensely important film, but it’s also an incredibly fun watch. 

Written & Directed by Victoria Warmerdam. 

Starring Ellen Parren, Henry van Loon, Thekla Reuten, Juliette van Ardenne, Asma El Mouden, etc. 

9/10 = DROP EVERYTHING AND WATCH IT NOW