Emotional dependency on artificial intelligence stemming from social isolation and loneliness is a recurrent theme in sci-fi narratives, highlighting the repressed psychological needs that people fear expressing otherwise. Robert Rippberger’s sci-fi thriller, Renner, adds a dysfunctional filial relationship to the mix, effectively trying to create a “Psycho” – like effect through the narrative device of AI. However, the movie itself doesn’t hold up to its promising potential as the narrative appears somewhat disjointed—caught between trying to formulate a doomed romance, mental degradation, and the usual sentient AI scare. In the end, none of the plot threads get developed properly, resulting in a half-baked mess that undermines the sci-fi dread the movie could have evoked with better writing.

Spoilers Ahead

Renner’s Troubling Past and the Creation of Selanus

The movie focuses on Renner, a genius techie who is renowned for developing advanced AI interfaces—and his best invention,...