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Atlas is a science fiction action film directed by Brad Payton and starring Jennifer Lopez. It was released on Netflix on May 24, 2024. The movie explores the complex relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, suggesting that AI could ultimately be useful. Smith, an artificial intelligence program developed by the titular character, helps her fight evil AI.
Smith (voiced by Cohan) damaged itself and became deactivated while trying to save Atlas. Following this, Smith's fate is left ambiguous; however, numerous clues advise that the AI in the new suit given to Lopez is certainly Smith. By the end of the movie, the possibility of his comeback is speculated.
The AI's intimate know-how of Atlas factors to his recognition being preserved and uploaded into the new fit. This interpretation also aligns with the movie's underlying thought of AI's capacity for correctness.
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Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers. Reader's discretion is advised.
Atlas and Smith: A Complex Relationship
AI has turned against humanity in the distant future, led by the evil Harlan (Simu Liu). Atlas Shepherd (Jennifer Lopez), a data analyst with little confidence in AI due to past trauma, is hired by Colonel Jack Booth (Mark Strong) to interrogate Casca (Abraham Popula), an AI robot captured by Colonel Elias Banks (Sterling K. Brown).
As she successfully tracks down Harlan and joins a mission to an alien planet to get rid of him, she realizes she needs a "good" AI named Smith (Greg Cohan) to survive.
At first, Lopez's character was extremely distrustful of Smith and would not submit to the neural link enabling seamless collaboration between human beings and AI. Circumstances compelled her to trust Smith, and finally, she consented to the neural link. But it initially fails because a true connection can happen only with vulnerability, which she accomplishes by sharing her painful history with Harlan.
The Backstory with Harlan
Atlas reveals that her mother made Harlan; therefore, he is her adopted older brother. As an innocent child, Harlan manipulated her to change his neural link with their mother, which allowed Harlan to control her and, subsequently, other AI bots to launch his assault on humanity. This deep feeling of distrust in AI was laid in her from Harlan's betrayal.
Smith's Fate
The movie's ending left the door wide open for Smith's return. The movement shifts back to Earth, where General Boothe informs her that Harlan's CPU is being mapped, which means AI resurrection is viable.
The very last scene shows Lopez's character as a ranger in new, specially modified robotic gear. When she initiates the neural hyperlink, the AI that greets her has Smith’s voice and knowledge. Also, she can be seen requesting to preserve Smith's original essence in the AI, indicating the possibility of his revival.
The Climactic Battle and Sacrifice
With their neural link intact, Atlas and Smith act together to spoil Harlan's plans. They break the carbon warhead geared toward Earth; however, in the process, she is injured. Smith, sacrificing himself, uses the last of his suit's energy to provide her with sufficient oxygen to stay alive until rescue. Despite his heroic efforts, Smith's robot health is seriously damaged, leading to a poignant farewell as he deactivates.
For science fiction and action fans, Atlas is now available on Netflix.
