Netflix just added an epic sci‑fi action movie from the filmmaker behind ‘Rogue One’ and ‘Godzilla’

Over the past few years, “The Creator” has made its rounds across the top streaming platforms, first appearing on Disney+ and later on Prime Video. Despite these high-profile stops, the 2023 release has remained something of an overlooked gem. Now, however, it has landed on the biggest streaming service of them all: Netflix. This move could be the turning point the film has needed to finally claim the recognition it deserves.

Written and directed by Gareth Edwards (best known for “Rogue One” and “Godzilla”), “The Creator” is a sci-fi action movie grounded in big ideas about technology, humanity, and artificial intelligence. Its stunning visuals earned it nominations for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound at the 96th Academy Awards. Yet despite critical praise, the movie sadly didn’t capture the mainstream attention that might have cemented its place in pop culture.

Now that it’s found a new home on Netflix, there’s a good chance “The Creator” will get a burst of appreciation from a much larger audience. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your watchlist.

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“The Creator” is set in a future where a devastating incident involving artificial intelligence triggers a prolonged conflict between humans and AI. Fifteen years after an AI‑caused explosion in Los Angeles sparks global warfare, former U.S. Army sergeant Joshua Taylor (John David Washington) is recruited by his government for a dangerous mission deep into territories controlled by AI.

Commanded to locate and eliminate the elusive architect of advanced AI, known only as “The Creator,” Joshua joins a team of elite operatives and crosses into hostile regions. The high‑stakes hunt takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that the “weapon” he’s been sent to destroy is actually a highly advanced AI child named Alphie (Madeleine Yuna Voyles).

(Image credit: Disney)

“The Creator” is one of the best sci-fi movies of 2023. Granted, it wasn’t the strongest year for the genre, but this movie is a bold and breathtaking cinematic take on the evolving bond between humans and technology. It clearly wears its influences proudly, with echoes of “Blade Runner” and even “Alien” woven throughout. While it doesn’t quite surpass these classics, it stands as one of the most ambitious and compelling attempts since Edwards’ last blockbuster, “Rogue One.”

While the central plot (a man protecting a child and forming a bond with them) is fairly simple, the movie adds layers of exposition that bring its world vividly to life. At times, it feels almost like reading a novel, yet this richness never diminishes the personal journey of Joshua and Alphie. It’s these characters who make you truly invested in their story and its outcome. The heart of the story is sure to tug at your heartstrings and maybe even draw a few tears.

(Image credit: Disney)

Edwards brings a remarkably lived-in quality to the world of The Creator, something I found particularly compelling. From neon-lit cities to war-ravaged villages, every location is visually striking. It carries the scale of a “Star Wars” epic yet the soul of an indie film, which creates something quite rare in the genre. Big-budget, original sci-fi blockbusters like this featuring recognizable actors and an auteur director with full creative freedom, really don’t come around often.

There aren’t many bad things to say about “The Creator” other than its rushed final act, and I think that speaks volumes about how strong and well-crafted the rest of the film is. It’s a testament to Edwards’ skill that, even with a bumpy ending, the movie still has a lasting impact. Though indebted to its predecessors, “The Creator” shines on its own thanks to a talented cast, gorgeous visuals, and a clear understanding of what makes an engaging science-fiction epic.

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