Ananya Pandey in CTRL Netflix movie
Movie Review, REVIEWS

CTRL Movie Review: An Eerie Glimpse Into AI’s Dark Future

Imagine all those wild theories we’ve heard about AI becoming so powerful it controls our lives. Well, CTRL (streaming on Netflix), directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, takes those fears and turns them into a haunting reality. Through his latest film, Motwane gives us a chilling glimpse into what happens when AI crosses boundaries, and believe me, it feels eerily possible.

Also Read: Films by Anurag Kashyap Every Film Lover Should Watch

Known for breaking conventions with films like AK vs AK and Udaan, Motwane dives headfirst into two of the most relevant themes in today’s world — AI and social media. CTRL is a smart, contemporary blend of tech and relationship drama that hooks you from the start.

How CTRL combines two trending topics

Ananya Pandey CTRL Netflix

At the center of it is Ananya Pandey as Nella, a social media influencer whose seemingly perfect life starts to unravel after she uses an AI app to erase her cheating boyfriend, Joe (played by Vihaan Samat). The AI slowly takes control over her life, turning what begins as a digital detox into something far more sinister.

Nella’s life, like many influencers today, blurs the line between personal and professional. Her love life becomes content when she and Joe start a vlog channel that skyrockets in popularity. The film cleverly shows how she loses track of where her content ends and her real relationship begins, making it a striking commentary on today’s influencer culture.

At its core, CTRL taps into the very real anxieties we have about AI and our obsession with sharing everything on social media. The movie paints a future where tech isn’t just assisting us — it’s taking over our most personal decisions. It’s a premise that, while thrilling, feels disturbingly close to reality. What starts as a straightforward breakup story quickly spirals into a gripping narrative about just how far AI can go if left unregulated.

Performances in CTRL

Ananya Pandey, who’s rapidly becoming the face of Gen Z cinema with her recent film choices, delivers a solid performance as Nella. She does a decent job capturing the struggles of a young woman caught between the pressures of being a social media star and the emotional fallout of betrayal. Her character feels relatable, especially for today’s digital natives who’ve grown up with the constant push and pull of online validation.

AI bot in CTRL

Now, let’s talk about the AI bot, Allen. Supposed to be a “comedic flirt,” it instead ends up being downright creepy — and that’s not a bad thing! The AI’s unsettling presence only adds to the growing tension, making you question just how much control we’re willing to give over to machines. It’s this nuanced take on AI that makes CTRL stand out from other tech-based thrillers.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is how it portrays the future of technology and the potential consequences of unethical AI use by tech giants. It forces us to ask the uncomfortable question: How much control are we ready to surrender to algorithms? Those far-fetched sci-fi theories about AI taking over don’t seem so far off anymore. The idea that an app could not only erase someone from your life but also start making decisions for you, unnoticed, is terrifying — and CTRL brings that fear to life in a way that stays with you long after the credits roll.

The making of CTRL

Yes, the first half of the movie feels like it belongs to the pandemic era. But once the AI starts asserting control, the tension skyrockets, pulling you into Nella’s increasingly fragile reality. While Bollywood has struggled in the past to portray technology convincingly, CTRL breaks that trend. The film doesn’t insult your intelligence with sloppy tech tropes; instead, it takes a significant step forward in handling the subject of AI with maturity and depth.

Motwane’s direction is sharp and precise. Visually, the film is a treat without overwhelming the senses, and the narrative unfolds with a clear sense of purpose. The subtle, eerie moments of AI-driven manipulation are what truly drives the film, rather than obvious, over-the-top antics. It’s the quiet terror of realizing you’ve lost control that makes the story so compelling.

In the end, CTRL on Netflix is a refreshing and bold step forward for Bollywood. It’s a well-made, relevant film that smartly avoids overcomplicating its themes. By blending social media culture with AI’s potential to reshape our future, CTRL offers both entertainment and plenty of food for thought.

In a world where AI discussions dominate the global conversation, the Hindi movie CTRL delivers a timely and chilling reminder: as we invite AI deeper into our lives, the consequences may be more than we bargained for.

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