When three criminals board a space station lab, they find an android of belonging to a reclusive scientist triggering the robot's to discover new emotions and purpose.
Director Aaron Lipstadt's low budget film has surprisingly big ideas. With the vibe of Silent Running (1972) and the philosophical themes of Blade Runner (incidentally also released in1982) Android is a somewhat forgotten sci-fi gem.
Quirky Don Opper plays likeable and innocent Max 404 well. To Opper's credit he shoulders the film. Despite their pivotal roles both Klaus Kinski as Dr. Daniel and Kendra Kirchner as Cassandra - their screen time is limited. Kinski sort of turns up when he's required. Striking Brie Howard is notable as fleshed out Maggie. Norbert Weisser is impressive as Keller but is limited by the script. Crofton Hardester hams it up a little as thug Mendes.
Writers James Reigle Don Keith Opper and Will Reigle, throw in plenty of sci-fi tropes, even some classic Carlo Collodi Pinocchio themes along with Gothic horror story Frankenstein and nods. Some of the effects and setups hold up, nevertheless, the production is clunky, with the editing and stunt altercations stagy. The budget constraints are glaring, with 80s suspicious sets and props, but the limited locations, control room, hothouse, lab, corridor etc, by default give the proceedings a claustrophobic feel. Don Preston's music complements the analog sci-fi shenanigans and twist(s).
Overall, given the fact it was made around the same time as Blade Runner it would be incorrect to see this as a knock off. It's cheap, cheerful and at times dark. If any sci-fi deserves a remake, this one should be in of the first in line.
Recommend, but with low budget caution.
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