The conversation around AI and its practical uses within society are usually restrained in film to global technological takeover with malicious intent. However, Spanish filmmaker Simon Casal, along with co-writer Victoriano Sierra Ferreiro, investigate the idea of how a state-of-the-art AI program could be used in the judicial system, replacing all prosecutors and judges in their film Artificial Justice (Justicia Artficial).
Summoned by the company who has created the software, respected Judge Carmen Costa (Veronica Echegui), is asked to assess the new program by simulating court cases to test the speed and validity of the program’s convictions.
However, the suspicious disappearance of the software’s creator leads Carmen down an intricate and dangerous web of conspiracies, deception, and political corruption, causing her to fear for her own life.
Artificial Justice doesn’t reinvent the wheel as a political thriller, but Casal still manages to make the tried and tested structure ultimately thrilling from start to finish, whilst putting forward interesting commentary around the use of AI in a way that feels unique, at least in a fictional storytelling sense.
The true enemy in this story is not AI, like many films would often focus on, however it’s the abuse of power and control over the AI from governments and political systems who see dollar signs over using the technology to truly aide society, something Casal and Ferreiro’s screenplay makes obvious, but not as the expense of making a riveting thriller film.
The ever-growing tension as the lies and conspiracies surrounding Carmen’s investigation are executed incredibly well by Casal’s sharp direction, leaving a constant feeling of dread lingering in the atmosphere of this world. The near future world of which Artificial Justice takes place doesn’t feel like a utopia, but the digital-world focused set and production design always gives the sense that everyone is being watched, all the time, which again fuels the uncomfortable nature of the tension.
Veronica Echegui’s performance gradually escalates in intensity as the story unfolds. The calculated and controlled demeanour of Carmen comes through Echequi’s strong-willed performance, but as the danger increases, the natural vulnerability, and of course fear of her life, begins to seep through in very nuanced ways.
Clocking in at 98 minutes, Artificial Justice is a taut thriller, wasting no time getting into its story, leaving mysterious narrative breadcrumbs right from the opening scene. It’s an incredibly satisfying and twist-fuelled third act when call backs and reveals play out with impact and haste.
Artificial Justice is screening as part of the 2024 HSBC Spanish Film Festival. You can find information and session times here.
