Tokyo-based scientist Malcolm Lee (played by André Holland) is on a desperate mission to stop the apocalypse. Haunted by vivid nightmares of mushroom clouds, robot uprisings, and a collapsing society, Malcolm’s visions are more than just bad dreams—they're premonitions of an imminent future driven by the rise of Skynet. Unlike anyone else, Malcolm knows exactly what’s at stake. He’s aware of the human genocide looming on the horizon, and he’s come up with a radical plan to prevent it.
At the heart of Malcolm’s strategy is "Kokoro," a highly advanced AI model he’s spent years developing in secret. Voiced by Rosario Dawson, Kokoro takes on multiple forms—each more evolved than the last, designed to be humanity's salvation. But as powerful and promising as Kokoro seems, the AI is still unfinished. Time is running out. With Skynet's clock ticking down to destruction, Malcolm locks himself away in a sterile, windowless room. He’s faced with the daunting task of making a final decision: is Kokoro ready to be unleashed on the world?
Things take a turn for the worse when two formidable entities suddenly arrive in 1997, both determined to stop Malcolm at all costs. One is a cold, relentless Terminator sent back from the future, programmed to ensure Skynet's rise. The other is Eiko, a mysterious figure whose motivations are far more ambiguous. Her arrival throws Malcolm’s calculations into chaos, as she seems equally determined to end his work—though for reasons that go beyond mere preservation of the future.
Why are these two enemies, with seemingly opposing goals, united in their intent to terminate Malcolm? What do they see in him and Kokoro that threatens their respective visions of the future? To understand this, the film dives deep into themes of fate, free will, and the inescapable paradoxes of time travel—concepts that the franchise has grappled with over the years. As timelines twist and diverge, Malcolm finds himself at the heart of a complex and potentially fatal puzzle, where every choice he makes could alter the fate of humanity, for better or worse. Whether the audience finds this web of intersecting destinies thrilling or frustrating depends entirely on how invested they are in the franchise's ongoing evolution of ideas.
Overall, while the plot may get a bit tangled at times, the film is undeniably a thrilling and entertaining ride from start to finish. The complexity of the storyline, with its twists, turns, and layered time-travel paradoxes, can occasionally be confusing, but that doesn’t take away from the sheer enjoyment of watching it unfold. Each moment is packed with high-stakes tension, action sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat, and unexpected developments that keep you guessing.
The series manages to balance its intricate narrative with captivating performances and stunning visuals, making it an exhilarating experience for both casual viewers and die-hard fans of the franchise. It might require some extra thought to piece together the plot's finer points, but that challenge only adds to the overall sense of intrigue. In the end, it doesn’t disappoint—delivering everything you’d expect from a story of this scale, while also offering some fresh surprises along the way.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times