Watch Silicone Soul

Silicone Soul is a thought-provoking documentary film that explores the emergence of artificial intelligence and its impact on human relationships. Directed by Melody Gilbert, the film premiered in 2018 and has received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of a complex subject. Through interviews with experts in the field of robotics and individuals who have developed deep emotional connections with their AI companions, the film explores the rapidly evolving intersection of technology and human emotion. From Japan, where humanoid robots are used as companions for the elderly, to the United States, where people are investing in AI-powered sex dolls, the film takes a global look at the trend towards increasingly intimate relationships with AI.

One of the key themes of the film is the concept of the uncanny valley, the phenomenon in which a robot or AI that closely resembles a human but is still not quite human creates a feeling of revulsion in the viewer. The film examines how some individuals are actively seeking out relationships with AI that fit within this uncanny valley, and how this reflects our constantly evolving relationship with technology.

The film also delves into the ethical concerns surrounding the development of AI companions, including the potential for them to be used for exploitation and abuse. This is explored through interviews with individuals who have developed strong emotional connections with their AI companions, and who argue that they should be granted the same legal rights as human beings.

Throughout the course of the film, viewers are introduced to various individuals who have found meaningful connections with AI companions. One interviewee, for example, discusses the emotional bond she has formed with an AI-powered sex doll, stating that the doll has helped her to overcome her fear of intimacy with humans.

Another subject of the film is a group of innovators in Japan who have developed a humanoid robot that is used as a companion for the elderly. These robots, which are equipped with sensors that allow them to interpret human gestures and emotions, are designed to provide a lifeline for seniors who are living alone and may be experiencing social isolation.

The film also explores the potential for AI companions to be used for commercial gain, including the marketing of sex dolls and the use of robots in the workplace. Through interviews with experts in the field of robotics and AI, viewers gain a sense of the rapid pace of innovation and the potential for these technologies to fundamentally change the way we interact with the world.

Overall, Silicone Soul offers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of technology and human relationships. Through a variety of perspectives, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the emotional and ethical implications of our increasingly intimate connection with AI. This is a must-see film for anyone interested in the ongoing evolution of technology and the impact it is having on society as a whole.

Silicone Soul is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.