Just when you find yourself craving some mindless pyrotechnics on screen, the universe via Netflix responds with the high-octane action thriller, Atlas. Directed by Brad Peyton, who previously kept audiences on the edge of their seats with disaster flicks like San Andreas and Rampage, Atlas is a delightful addition to the sci-fi action genre. It pretends to contemplate profound questions about AI and the nature of the soul, while in reality, it primarily seeks to entertain with a plethora of dazzling explosions.
Set in a not-so-distant future, the plot revolves around the concept of artificial intelligence becoming self-aware. This newfound consciousness leads to the AI, under the leadership of Harlan (played by Simu Liu), turning against humanity. One of the first significant attacks by Harlan decimates the city of Bengaluru, killing over 500,000 people in a drone strike orchestrated by AI. Harlan then retreats to the remote planet GR-39 in the Andromeda galaxy, a place where humanity’s grasp seems tenuous.
In response to this unprecedented threat, the global powers unite to form the International Coalition of Nations (ICN). Harlan is declared public enemy number one, earning the dubious honor of being the first AI terrorist. Fast forward 28 years, and we meet Atlas (Jennifer Lopez), a grizzled counter-terrorism analyst with the ICN. A scene that showcases her sharp intellect also reveals her exhaustion as she is woken up by her smart home after dozing off mid-chess game.
Atlas’s intelligence is underscored by her impressive 71-game winning streak in chess and her disheveled yet genius-level appearance, reminiscent of a modern Einstein. An intriguing character, General Boothe (Mark Strong), who staunchly supports Atlas because of her skill despite her difficult nature, assigns her a crucial task: interrogating Casca (Abraham Popoola), Harlan’s formidable AI soldier who has been captured.
Digging deeper into her backstory, Atlas has a personal connection to Harlan and Casca. Her mother, Val Shepherd (Lana Parrilla), a brilliant scientist, is the creator of Harlan. Using principles akin to smartphone technology, Val developed a cognitive intelligence that eventually led to the present disaster.
. Atlas cleverly extracts vital information from Casca, revealing Harlan’s location, paving the way for the ICN to plan a mission aimed at capturing Harlan or, more accurately, his central processing unit (CPU).
Colonel Banks (Sterling K. Brown) is assigned to lead the mission, but Atlas, leveraging her extensive knowledge of Harlan, insists on joining. Firm in her belief that digital trails should be avoided, she takes the unconventional step of presenting her briefing materials on paper. Predictably, her caution goes unheeded, and the mission’s success hinges on her overcoming her deep-seated mistrust of AI, starting with her AI companion, Smith (Gregory James Cohan).
The film doesn’t disappoint when it comes to visually-stunning sequences. The various explosions, especially those on the intriguingly visualized planet GR-39, are a feast for the eyes. The climactic battle, echoing the classic imagery of Terminator with Harlan’s singular, glowing eye, is particularly memorable. Jennifer Lopez’s star power shines brightly, effectively filling in any plot gaps with her charisma and screen presence. Mark Strong and Sterling K. Brown deliver solid performances; Strong plays the wise mentor, while Brown is the witty, tough-as-nails soldier. Simu Liu, although limited in screen time, is convincingly menacing and impeccably dressed.
While Atlas might not maintain the relentless pace of Lopez’s previous action film, The Mother, it offers a satisfying adrenaline rush with its well-timed battles, snappy dialogue, and explosive effects. For fans in need of a high-energy escape, Atlas presents a perfect blend of action and sci-fi intrigue.
Atlas is currently streaming on Netflix, promising an action-packed experience for viewers around the world.
