Reviewer: Christine Stanton
Writer: Andrew Stein
Director: Hersh Ellis
“Groundbreaking & Gripping”
4.5 / 5
With the rapid rise of AI and technology fast advancing – Disruption couldn’t be coming at a better time. This groundbreaking and gripping thriller is a mix of futuristic fantasy, while still also being surprisingly relatable, which results in a winning formula that no algorithm would be able to resist.
When big shot tech entrepreneur Nick rallies his old group of friends together for a fancy dinner in New York, they all know what to expect, knowing he must have a new project he wants everyone to invest in – another app or business venture that he hopes will make him his next few million. This time around – it’s an app that uses algorithms and data to predict happiness; Google Maps but for the big decisions in people’s lives, picking the path that will lead them to a better destiny in the future. Naturally most of the friends don’t want AI making important choices for them- but the intrigue is there, and natural salesman Nick will do everything he can to get them to sign on the dotted line, even if it does feel like making a deal with the Devil. Slowly each friendship couple start thinking about what it is they truly want – Paul (Nick Read) doesn’t know if he should stay with his nagging wife Jill (Mika Simmons), Barry (Kevin Shen) and wife Mia (Rosanna Hyland) want to buy a brownstone in Brooklyn, but are unsure if the time is right, and Ben (Nathaniel Curtis) is trying to convince wife Suzie (Debbie Korley) that they should start trying for a baby. All huge milestones – but can an app really make those choices on their behalf?
This is a fantastically written script by writer Andrew Stein. The recent and quick developments of AI in the mainstream such as ChatGPT and numerous examples of AI generated art on social media means the far away futuristic feel of advanced technology is not quite as incomprehensible anymore. The heart of the narrative instinctively appears to be about how AI can help or hinder decision making and the future – a debate that happens frequently, but at the depth, it has traditional roots of friendship and family; relatable interactions and questions that any audience could recognise. By merging these two over-arching elements together, and creating fantastically written characters with intriguing backstories, it’s hard not to be completely hooked from beginning to end.
Set designer Zoë Hurwitz keeps the stage simplistic to allow the script to remain the focal point. With some matrix like projections as a backdrop to a table and 8 chairs moulded into a restaurant, the home of each character and the office of Nick and Raven – it allows the talented cast to remain in control. Although stripped back, it surprisingly helps with scene transitions and location changes, while still keeping that dark and disruptive feeling throughout. Each cast member does the script justice, but Oliver Alvin-Wilson in particular is impeccable in his role as the tech genius and billionaire. Debbie Korley and Nathaniel Curtis showcase fantastic contrasts – Korley aloof and self-assured, Curtis sensitive and considered, both excellent actors. Kevin Shen and Nick Read provide a surprising element of humour to the script, lightening some of the more intense moments in the show. Sasha Desouza-Willock as the strong, smart brains behind the operation, Rosanna Hyland as the competitively reckless sister and Mika Simmons as the worried, anxious wife all help to diversify the personalities in the show, making the similar yet contrasting characters appear realistic and believable.
Although the tone of the show consistently feels quite tense and sinister, there isn’t an overbearing message that all AI is bad and should be avoided at all costs, in fact, quite the opposite. It showcases the opportunities and benefits that could arise from AI (and not just from a money making standpoint), while still providing the obvious viewpoint that too much interference when curating coincidence could be catastrophic for humanity. Humanising the storyline by adding in the emotional connections between the characters takes away the clinical robotic nature that a production about technology could have become and allows it to stand alone as a magnificently modern production.
Runs until 5 August 2023
RatedReviewed 
Leave a comment