Robot and frank

 With the increase in popularity of the science fiction genre in recent years, a huge influx of flashing blue lights, flying airships and time travel has been evidently present. Whilst this ‘in your face’ form of sci-fi is exciting and imaginative it’s far from relatable, focusing on an indulgence of convoluted scientific prospects instead of actual prototypes that can (and will) be implemented in the near future. Robot and frank accurately tackles this, equipping its world with… well the same resources as present day, but now with added luxuries of robot butlers and single manned cars using these as a key assets to its humorous, immersive narrative.

Introductions to the world of the future are unflattering and simple, as they should be with its overall lack of technological development as we are immediately introduced to Frank, an elderly man with a criminal past of thievery. Displayed as your everyday man, Frank (Frank Langella) is crucially relatable as well as fittingly witty, frequently criticising the modernisation of the world around him. After concerns from his son due to Frank’s isolation at home, he is brought the gift of a robot butler, programmed to look after him, much to the dismay of the protagonist. As the plot deepens, Frank begins to build a relationship with his new found technological friend as he schemes a plan to pair off and reignite his love for the swiping of high end jewellery. Starting slow in comparison to the engaging finale, the plot picks up momentum quickly once the robot is introduced and relationships between the two protagonists as well as sub-characters Hunter (James Marsden) and Jennifer (Susan Sarandon)  are established. This leads for a fluid and realistic story to play out, using the films helpful sci-fi element to extend possible story arcs as it tells the loving story of the humorous relationship between an old man and his robotic friend.

The comedy present works excellently well, helping the audience to easily sympathise with the character of Frank who’s bantering with the robot one minute and suffering from his old age the next. Proving to be more sentimental than initially clear from its exterior, this narrative is truly deep, tentatively touching on themes relevant to the films protagonist. On occasion these moments are knocked by pieces of ill fitted humour, however for the majority of the time there’re tackled with heart and realism to heart-breaking degrees of accuracy with help from the excellent acting of Frank Langella.

Robot and Frank was a pleasant surprise effortlessly coagulating it’s genres of comedy, drama and sci-fi to seamless degrees using these genres to produce a broad narrative packed with heart. Some story arcs deflate slightly towards the end as others become more poignant, leaving some paths slightly undeveloped, however this can be easily overlooked whilst judging the finished product that gleams with emotion both in its plot and in its performances.

8/10- Proving that Sci-Fi’s don’t need guns and flying cars to be imaginative and emotionally engaging.

Calum Russell