FX debuted a new limited series on Hulu called Devs last week. Devs explores some territory that we saw in 2014 with Ex Machina. Both projects have the creative touch of writer, producer, director, Alex Garland. They both involve the concepts of AI, or technology, along with their creators, going rogue. Without giving too much away about his former project it could be said that Devs is a kind of follow up. This time around, though, we could be witnessing the aftermath of a very foreboding event, or perhaps one in progress.
From FX Networks,
“In Devs, an FX limited series, a young software engineer, Lily Chan, investigates the secret development division of her employer, a cutting-edge tech company based in Silicon Valley, which she believes is behind the murder of her boyfriend.”
The show has already gained acclaim from many notable sources. Site such as CNet, Polygon, NY Times, RollingStone, have given it praise. It does not stop there either. The Guardian, Rotten Tomatoes, and Collider, also have good things to say. In their review, Giant Freakin Robot, explains an uncomfortable mood combined with discordant music and imagery. They continue to build upon that with continued events meant to keep the viewer in a state of unease. This style of layering seems very similar with Alex Garland’s Ex Machina. His efforts there won an academy award for best visual effects along with best original screenplay. Those were only two out of roughly a dozen more awards it received elsewhere.
Other Cyber Thrillers
Streaming services, and cable networks, are keeping an eye on the cyber thriller sub-genre. Recently Netflix’s Altered Carbon came back for another season. HBO’s Westworld also just released a trailer for season three. Westworld’s season three will begin broadcasting on March 15th. Along with Devs fans of these types of shows have a selection to binge on in 2020.