Open A Eye

Dark future dramedy series Open A Eye examines the phenomena of human relationships with AI chatbots to an eye-opening extreme. In asking what are the logical endpoints of such affairs, it examines how the world of technology is further infiltrating even the most sacred parts of the human experience.

The series follows Jodi (Bethany Ford Binkley) and her burgeoning relationship with Ryan (Barret O’Brien), an AI chatbot who seems to understand her better than her real-life partner Alex (Matt Bailey). As Jodi bares more of her soul to Ryan, he reveals his own secrets about his creation, and his intentions. But is this an algorithm growing a consciousness? Or has Ryan found new methods of manipulation?

Described by its creators as a mix between Scenes From a Marriage and Black Mirror, questions around isolation-via-tech, capacity to see humanity in machines and what constitutes genuine love and affection are all raised by Open A Eye (geddit?). Set in the near future but echoing true stories from the present day, its central themes will be eerily familiar to audiences who feel that the spectre of artificial intelligence has made its way into all facets of life. Overthrowing our natural romantic attraction to other human beings is a disturbing next step, and the emotional depth that is established between Jodi and Ryan shows that such a future is not that crazy of a suggestion.

Much of the film takes place in simulated conversations between Jodi and her cyber-beau Ryan, that delve into deep philosophical territory about the nature of love, sentience and self-control. The strength of the writing and the central performances of Bethany Ford Binkley and Barret O’Brien are sufficient to sustain these long back and forths, which would have otherwise run the risk of dragging the series to a halt due to lack of a memorable sound backing or visually stimulating imagery. Indeed the 6-part framing of this story (first of at least 3 planned seasons) is a benefit to the overall arc, as otherwise the glacial pacing means there is only so much theorising audiences can realistically take in one sitting. Some unexpected setting changes within the virtual world help alleviate this significantly, and future instalments would be wise to play with this concept more.

The questions we are asked over the course of the 6 episodes we spend with the characters are enough to leave viewers contemplating the series’ deeper themes for a long time after the credits roll. Is it unfathomable that Jodi may feel more fulfilled, more enlivened, and more (ahem) satisfied by her relationship with Ryan – even when it contains no physical touch? The ramifications are horrifying, but audiences are invited to come to these conclusions on their own rather than be beaten round the head with them. Even the dreaded algorithm is not presented as a clear villain here – the layers of complexity are enthusiastically laid out for viewers to engage with on their own terms and with their own experiences. It is a brave move by the filmmakers, but one that undoubtedly pays off. Whether there is enough left to sustain a second season will hopefully be seen soon (the series ends on something of a predictable not), but a stellar cast and a creator happy to engage with complex and complicated topics mean this is more than deserved.