The question arises: does following in a celebrated filmmaker's footsteps lead to success or an inescapable burden? This is the challenge facing Luke Scott, first-time director and son of Ridley Scott, as he presents this kinetic but ultimately familiar science fiction horror thriller, **Morgan**. While Luke incorporates some of his father’s signature cinematic touches, the film largely explores philosophical concepts and perceptions without achieving a cohesive narrative beyond a predictable genetics-focused melodrama. **Morgan** has moments of energy, but the suspense is obvious from early on. The manufactured conflict feels superficial, failing to generate genuine skepticism about artificial intelligence gone wrong. The recurring theme of artificially created humans—male or female—remains compelling, tapping into anxieties about human ambition and progress, a subject previously explored in films like _Westworld_ and _A.I._ Unfortunately, **Morgan** doesn't quite live up to this cinematic tradition. The story centers on Morgan (Anya Taylor-Joy), an ambitious creation constructed from synthetic DNA and housed within the body of a teenage girl. She exhibits the mentality and physicality of a five-year-old, and we witness her psychological instability when she violently attacks Dr. Kathy Grieff (Jennifer Jason Leigh) in a confined space. The brutal stabbing of Dr. Grieff hints that this hoodie-wearing young woman is a dangerous time bomb among opportunistic lab technicians. Lee Weathers (Kate Mara), a corporate risk analyst, is dispatched by her employer to the remote testing facility where Morgan was created to assess their investment in this artificial creation, which now displays signs of defiance. The staff struggles to contain Morgan’s destructive behavior. The isolated compound housing Morgan and its personnel—doctors, technicians, researchers, and business associates—creates a sinister atmosphere. Morgan proves to be dangerous and not easily controlled. As Dr. Grieff tends to her eye injury inflicted by the unusually swift and strong girl, others realize that she may be too much for the scientists who brought her into existence. Among them is Morgan’s creator, Dr. Simon Ziegler (Toby Jones), portraying a nervous and geeky figure. Dr. Lui Cheng (Michelle Yeoh) has experience with controversial experiments involving humanoids, having witnessed tragic fates of former colleagues. Married doctors Brenda and Darren Finch (Vinette Robinson and Chris Sullivan) display an almost parental affection for the troubled teenager. Dr. Amy Menser (Rose Leslie) develops an unsettling fascination with Morgan that crosses boundaries. Rounding out the cast are Lee’s guide, Ted (Michael Yare), and cook Skip Vronsky (Boyd Holbrook). While **Morgan** occasionally delivers tense moments, the narrative often feels sluggish, failing to fully capitalize on Taylor-Joy's performance beyond portraying her as a bratty teenager with a temper. The idea of unleashing this creation upon the world seemed more intriguing than its execution. It’s difficult to root for Morgan when she seems less like a destructive force and more like an annoyance to those involved in her creation. One almost finds oneself hoping she'll quiet down and relieve the monotony of this horror spectacle. The script, by Owens, lacks the depth needed to convincingly portray the cynicism surrounding artificial intelligence at the expense of human curiosity. **Morgan** frequently descends into a bleakness punctuated only by Taylor-Joy’s outbursts. Kate Mara is effective as Lee Weathers, the corporate investigator seeking answers about Morgan and the facility's purpose. Paul Giamatti provides a moment of clarity, identifying Morgan as a potential threat to society. Despite some slick visuals and occasional insightful moments, **Morgan** doesn’t offer anything particularly new compared to other films that have explored this theme with greater depth and promise. While Morgan may be an enigma, Lee Weathers wants her deactivated and put out of her misery—a sentiment that feels ironic given the people behind **Morgan** who should perhaps reconsider their approach. The true problem solvers need to be taken out of commission, both on screen and off. **Morgan** (2016) Scott Free Films 1 hr. 32 mins. Starring: Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Toby Jones, Rose Leslie, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Paul Giamatti, Michelle Yeoh, Rose Leslie, Vinette Robinson, Chris Sullivan, Boyd Holbrook, Michael Yare Directed by: Luke Scott MPAA Rating: R Genre: Horror & Science Fiction/Fantasy & Technology/Artificial Intelligence Drama Critic’s rating: ** stars (out of 4 stars) (c) Frank Ochieng 2016

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