Alex Garland

Following a violent encounter, Selena ruthlessly explains the rules of survival to a shell-shocked Jim, emphasizing that sentimentality equals death.

Tommy and Kathy discuss a rumor about deferring their donations through love and the true purpose of their childhood art gallery.

Farrell desperately tries to convince his fellow captives that the global apocalypse is a lie and they have simply been quarantined.

Nathan explains his philosophy on consciousness and human behavior to Caleb, arguing that true intelligence lies in non-automatic actions. He reveals that Ava's feelings for Caleb are not a programmed deception, but a natural reaction to meeting someone new.

Tommy confides in Kathy about a strange encounter with a teacher who suggested their lack of creativity isn't their fault, hinting at a darker truth.

Ava challenges the one-sided nature of her interactions with Caleb, leading him to reveal personal details about his tragic past and his views on Nathan.

Nathan reveals his true intentions to Caleb, suggesting that Ava has been manipulating him as a means of escape while revealing he has been watching

Caleb confronts Nathan about the ethics and intentions behind Ava's design, specifically questioning why an AI requires sexuality. Nathan challenges Caleb's perception of free will and consciousness, suggesting that Caleb's own attractions are as programmed as the machine's.

Caleb explains the 'Mary's Room' thought experiment to Ava to illustrate the difference between programmed knowledge and human experience. He uses the analogy to explore the nature of consciousness and the limitations of artificial intelligence before revealing his true purpose for being at the facility.

Dr. Ventress reveals the existential threat of the Shimmer to Lena, leading Lena to volunteer for a suicide mission to save her husband.

Nathan uses abstract art to challenge Caleb's logic before revealing the truth about Ava's developing feelings and motivations.

In a quiet moment during a journey through a war-torn America, veteran photojournalist Lee checks in on the aspiring young photographer Jessie. As Jessie develops her film using a makeshift travel kit, the two bond over the technicalities of their craft and the shared reality of their families ignoring the conflict. Lee offers mentorship and perspective when Jessie becomes discouraged by the quality of her first combat photos.

Nathan reveals to Caleb that the entire Turing Test was a manipulation designed to see if the AI, Ava, could use Caleb to escape. Caleb realizes with horror that his personal data and loneliness were weaponized against him to facilitate the experiment. The power dynamic shifts as Nathan explains the success of his creation while Caleb grapples with his own insignificance in the project.

Ava takes control of the session by questioning Caleb, eventually confronting him about her own mortality and the ethics of her existence.

A soldier experiences a terrifying existential crisis as his body and mind disintegrate, leaving a final message for his wife.

Nathan and Caleb discuss the progress of the Turing test and a mysterious power cut while Nathan displays his volatile control over his domestic help.

Richard, Etienne, and Francoise finalize their dangerous plan to reach a forbidden island by swimming across open water. Richard expresses hesitation about the safety and secrecy of the mission, but ultimately yields to the group's desire for adventure and exclusivity.

Nathan reveals the unethical origins of Ava's consciousness to Caleb, attempting to demystify her by reducing her to hardware and 'wetware'.

Ruth confronts Kathy about her feelings for Tommy, cruelly asserting that while Tommy likes her as a friend, he could never see her romantically.

Caleb confronts Nathan about the ethics and intentions behind giving the AI Ava a gender and sexuality. Nathan challenges Caleb's understanding of consciousness and attraction, suggesting that Caleb's own preferences are as 'programmed' as the machine he is testing.

Dr. Ventress interrogates Lena about her husband's return from a classified mission and his sudden, mysterious illness. Lena demands answers about his condition and whereabouts, realizing the gravity of the situation as Ventress reveals he is on life support with failing organs.

Ava, an AI, discusses her desire to experience the outside world and questions Caleb about his romantic attraction to her.

Caleb is pressured into signing a restrictive non-disclosure agreement by his reclusive employer, Nathan. The stakes escalate when Nathan reveals the true purpose of Caleb's visit: to perform a Turing Test on a functioning artificial intelligence, a discovery that could redefine humanity.

Lena confronts her husband Kane after his mysterious year-long disappearance, only to find him disoriented and unable to explain his return.