Androids in movies have always turned out to be out and out villains like the Terminator series or the good guys like Robocop. Whatever the character, sci-fi fans will never miss a good movie about an android. Outside the Wire can be added to the growing list of androids-based sci-fi movies where they have tried to push the boundaries when it comes to the concept. The year is 2036, android warriors are still in the testing stage because there is a problem of collateral damage. Thomas Harp (Damon Idris) is a drone operator who is transferred to a different unit to work under Leo (Anthony Mackie). Together they have to prevent an oncoming nuclear war.
The film explores the thing that makes us human
Humans are known for being empathetic and mostly looking out for the welfare of other humans. In a time where the kids know nothing apart from war, it is difficult to find this empathy. We see Harp being one of those kids who considers that it is better to suffer little collateral damage if the end result is a success. On the other hand, Leo is shown to be more empathetic. It can be because he was programmed or something he has learned walking among humans. It is this dynamic that makes the core of this movie.
The action doesn’t match the concept
While it is interesting to see the changing dynamics between Harp and Leo, some of the action sequences might not get the adrenaline going. We have been introduced to superior scenes involving battlezones and hand-to-hand combat. In comparison, these seem a little bland. Even then, the banter between Harp and Leo keeps the movie alive and makes you invested in the characters.
WATCH OR NOT:
If you are looking for some sci-fi movie asking some pertinent questions then this is the movie for you. Watch it for Damson Idris’ shining in his first lead role and Anthony Mackie being his usual charming self.
