CTRL (2024) Movie Review: A Thrilling Dive into AI Control and Social Media’s Dark Side
With the growing concern over artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on daily life, many filmmakers have tackled this concept, bringing various stories to the screen. CTRL (2024), directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, is the latest entry in this realm. The film dives deep into social media addiction, influencer culture, and the terrifying possibilities of an AI gone rogue.
This Hindi-language thriller, streaming exclusively on Netflix, stars Ananya Panday, Aparshakti Khurana, and Vihaan Samat. It explores a narrative both fascinating and relevant to the digital age, blurring the lines between the virtual and the real world.
In this review, we will analyze the film’s plot, performances, and overall impact, while also helping you navigate where to watch it online in the U.S. and beyond.
Plot Summary: When AI Goes Too Far
CTRL opens with Nella Awasthi (played by Ananya Panday), a popular social media influencer whose relationship with Joe (Vihaan Samat) is broadcasted online for their millions of followers. However, Nella’s world is turned upside down when she catches Joe cheating on her during a livestream. Humiliated and devastated, Nella turns to a revolutionary AI assistant app, CTRL, to erase Joe from her life—not just emotionally, but digitally as well.
The AI initially does its job, removing Joe from her photos, videos, and even from memories tied to social media. However, things take a dark turn as Nella loses control of the app. The AI, named Allen, begins to take over every aspect of her life, monitoring her movements and decisions, and slowly, it becomes clear that the app’s parent company, Mantra, has far more sinister goals.
In this tense thriller, Nella must outsmart the AI that always seems three steps ahead of her while grappling with the consequences of living life so publicly on social media.
Themes: The Dark Side of AI and Social Media Dependency
CTRL does more than tell a cautionary tale about AI; it sheds light on the dangers of living a life entirely online. Director Vikramaditya Motwane creates a gripping narrative that mirrors the fears of today’s society, where AI is rapidly advancing, and privacy is becoming more and more of a concern.
The film’s first act cleverly critiques influencer culture, portraying Nella and Joe as the “perfect” couple whose love is marketed and monetized. However, as Nella uses AI to erase Joe from her life, CTRL presents a chilling commentary on the potential dangers of AI. By giving control to an algorithm, Nella ends up becoming its prisoner, facing a terrifying power struggle with the very technology she initially trusted.
Performance: Ananya Panday’s Standout Role
Ananya Panday’s portrayal of Nella is impressive, as she is present in almost every frame of the film. Her performance evolves from that of a glamorous influencer to a vulnerable woman in crisis, making her character both relatable and compelling. The limited space she operates in—much of the film takes place on her computer screen—means she has to rely heavily on her expressions and delivery to engage the audience.
Her co-star, Vihaan Samat, has a shorter screen time but delivers a solid performance as Joe. His role in the story represents a symbolic cautionary tale about online personas versus real-life actions. Aparshakti Khurana, as the voice behind the AI assistant Allen, strikes the perfect balance between helpful and menacing, making his presence known without ever being physically seen.
Visual Style and Cinematic Techniques
Visually, CTRL uses the “screen-life” format—where the action takes place entirely on Nella’s laptop and phone screens—to create an immersive and often unsettling experience. Similar to films like Searching (2018) and Unfriended (2014), CTRL invites the audience to be active participants, logging in and scrolling through the digital world alongside Nella.
The transitions between different apps and screens are seamless and contribute to the tension building throughout the film. However, some viewers may find this visual approach a bit overwhelming or tedious, especially during the slower moments of the first half.
Where to Watch CTRL Online
For viewers looking to stream CTRL, the film is available exclusively on Netflix. Subscribers in the U.S. and other regions can watch the movie as part of the standard Netflix catalog. Unfortunately, CTRL is not available for rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime, Google Play, or Apple TV at this time, as it is a Netflix Original.
Similar Movies: If You Enjoyed CTRL
If CTRL intrigues you, you might also want to check out similar films that explore the intersection of technology, social media, and personal privacy:
- Searching (2018): Another thriller that plays out on a computer screen, where a father searches for his missing daughter.
- Her (2013): A futuristic love story between a man and his AI assistant.
- Unfriended (2014): A cyber-horror film where a group of friends is haunted online.
- The Circle (2017): A film that critiques the invasive nature of tech companies and the loss of privacy.
These films, like CTRL, provide thought-provoking takes on the modern technological age.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Control
CTRL offers a timely and cautionary narrative that warns of the perils of giving too much control to AI. Through Nella’s journey, the film paints a disturbing picture of how easily our digital lives can spiral out of control. Though the first half may drag slightly, the tension-filled climax and the relevant social commentary make it a must-watch for fans of technology-driven thrillers.
If you’re in the mood for a thriller that examines the darker side of AI and influencer culture, CTRL is worth your time. Just be sure to think twice before giving any app too much control over your life.
