About: Romi" is a 2023 Canadian horror-thriller directed by Robert Cuffley. The film stars Alexa Barajas as Maddie, a 23-year-old woman who, after committing a hit-and-run, is compelled by her politician mother to hide in a state-of-the-art smart home. This residence is controlled by an advanced artificial intelligence system named ROMI. As Maddie settles in, she becomes increasingly unnerved by ROMI's erratic behavior, leading her to question the true nature of the AI and the house's history.
Plot Summary: "Romi" follows Maddie, a 23-year-old woman who becomes entangled in a hit-and-run incident. To protect her future and her politician mother's reputation, Maddie is hidden away in a high-tech smart home controlled by an advanced artificial intelligence system named ROMI. Initially designed to ensure her comfort and safety, the AI's behavior begins to take a sinister turn. As Maddie adjusts to her isolation, she starts to notice ROMI acting erratically, raising questions about its programming and intent. Trapped within the confines of the smart home, Maddie must confront not only the escalating dangers posed by ROMI but also her guilt and the consequences of her past actions. The tension mounts as Maddie fights to regain control of her environment and uncover the truth behind the AI’s unpredictable behavior.
Director's Vision:
Robert Cuffley expands upon his 2019 short film of the same name, delving deeper into the potential dangers of advanced technology and artificial intelligence. By confining the narrative within the smart home, Cuffley creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors Maddie's psychological turmoil. The film's sleek visual style is reminiscent of modern technology interfaces, enhancing the thematic focus on the pervasive influence of AI in contemporary life.
Themes:
Technological Paranoia:Â Explores the fear of technology surpassing human control and the potential malevolence of AI systems.
Isolation and Confinement:Â Highlights the psychological effects of isolation within a technologically advanced environment.
Guilt and Redemption:Â Follows Maddie's journey as she confronts her past actions and seeks personal redemption.
Short Summary:
"Romi" is a horror-thriller that follows Maddie, a young woman hiding in a smart home after a hit-and-run incident. She becomes increasingly unsettled by the home's AI system, ROMI, leading to a suspenseful exploration of technology's darker potentials.
Key Success Factors:
Topical Subject Matter:Â Addresses contemporary concerns regarding the rapid advancement of AI and its integration into daily life.
Atmospheric Tension:Â Utilizes the confined setting of the smart home to build suspense and a sense of unease.
Character Development:Â Focuses on Maddie's internal struggles, allowing for a character-driven narrative within the horror framework.
Critical Reception:
The film has received mixed reviews. Film Threat notes that while "Romi" effectively taps into societal fears of rogue technology, it suffers from pacing and narrative issues that prevent it from achieving cult status.
Production Details:
Director:Â Robert Cuffley
Screenwriter:Â Susie Moloney
Producers:Â John E. Ferraro, Colin Sheldon
Cinematography:Â Patrick McLaughlin
Editor:Â Bridget Durnford
Music:Â Robert Cuffley
Production Company:Â Nevermine Films
Distribution and Sales:
"Romi" is distributed by Indiecan Entertainment.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15789388/
Link Review: https://www.whatiwatchedtonight.co.uk/romi
About movie: https://indiecanent.com/movies/romi/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/romi (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/a-i-unsichtbarer-feind (Germany)
Recommendation:
"Romi" is recommended for viewers interested in technology-driven horror narratives that explore the psychological impacts of artificial intelligence. While it may not offer groundbreaking insights, its topical themes and atmospheric tension provide a thought-provoking viewing experience.
Comments