The critics are raving over Gareth Edwards‘ sci-fi-action thriller, The Creator after witnessing a 20-minute IMAX sneak preview at the AMC Century City 15 in Los Angeles. Starring John David Washington in the titular role as Joshua, the movie is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are at war against A.I. or at least a part of humanity while the rest are in favor of the advanced technology that exists among them as sentient beings.
From Hans Zimmer‘s score to the visually pleasing cinematography shot by the Oscar-winning Greig Fraser (Dune) and Oren Soffer (Fixation) – The Creator movie appears to check all the boxes necessary to be 2023’s most anticipated entry in the sci-fi category. Disney’s 20th Century Studios offered a glimpse of what’s in store at CinemaCon 2023 in April and were only met with acclaimed reactions from audiences & critics with some also suggesting it shares some similarities to District 9. Followed by its test screening in May which was approved by the crowd too.
Ahead of its September end release, an IMAX Live exclusive first look was presented to the press earlier on Tuesday night. Every one of the attendees is not short of praises to the filmmaker for prioritizing shooting in the real world rather than opting for StageCraft tech (video wall a.k.a Volume by ILM). In fact, the cast & crew traveled to 80 different locations to shoot sequences.
Attendees experienced 3 different scenes from The Creator movie. John David Washington’s on-screen presence was described by Matt Ramos in a good light stating he, “commands every fame he’s in”. He also predicts Hans Zimmer’s score should be counted in for Best Original Score nomination at the Oscars. Similarly, critic Griffin Schiller also noted, “The sound is explosive, the sense of realism visceral”.
Got to check out Gareth Edward’s #TheCreator in a @IMAX Sneak Preview tonight! Im so hype now! With it being scored by the amazing Hans Zimmer, shooting ranging to up to 80 locations, & the sheer level of scope & emotion from director & cast makes this a must watch in Sept. 29th! pic.twitter.com/LaLwVwdJ7N
— Team JVS (@Team_JVS) August 30, 2023
I got to watch 3 different scenes from #TheCreator & holy crap it looks amazing! Gareth Edwards & his crew traveled to 80 different locations instead of just using a green screen & it shows. John David Washington commands every frame he’s in & I genuinely can’t wait to see more.… pic.twitter.com/jkhutuiMkL
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) August 30, 2023
Gareth Edwards mentions Francis Ford Coppola and Ridley Scott as influences of his as he notes #TheCreator is “a mix of ‘Blade Runner’ meets ‘Apocalypse Now’” pic.twitter.com/QcXAaJCpFt
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) August 30, 2023
Just came out of the sneak peak of #TheCreator so ready to see it already!!!!!! It was fantastic!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/ymlFUsRoOh
— Jiggymiggy__ 🔥🏳🌈🏹 (@_StayyGolddd) August 30, 2023
Saw three scenes from #TheCreator in IMAX. Love the visual storytelling and how many of the themes are commentary of the world that we live in today. It’s got a Wolf and Cub vibe going on but still feels like its own thing.
— Michael Lee (@IamMichaelJLee) August 30, 2023
As the trailers have already hinted, the movie’s visual style “blends a guerrilla style Vietnam War aesthetic w/90s analogue tech” although the promo footage showed a futuristic environment. It seems to hit on A.I commentary through visual storytelling with many critics calling it an original sci-fi concept. The screening was unfortunately streamed, points out critic Matt Neglia so the quality was not on par with what the theatrical experience would offer Readers can check it out below.
Edwards while speaking to Deadline during the Q&A also noted he took influences from Francis Ford Coppola and Ridley Scott while adding that The Creator is “a mix of Blade Runner meets Apocalypse Now.”
The non-spoiler reaction to the 20-minute preview has not shared any details on the dynamic between Joshua and Alphie (Madeleine Yuna Voyles) the young humanoid child described as the world-ending weapon that the titular character is tasked to destroy. The Creator movie features a star-studded cast namely Ken Watanabe, who plays an AI humanoid, Gemma Chan as the wife of Joshua and Allison Janney.
Was fascinating listening to Gareth Edwards talk about the making of #TheCreator. Unfortunately, the three preview scenes were shown via. a stream so they weren’t the best quality. Still, I’m excited to see the final result of this epic sci-fI production on September 29th. https://t.co/QPZVFDtfhz
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) August 30, 2023
Edwards talked about concept art being the driving force for #TheCreator & boy does it show. Shot mostly on 80 LOCATIONS practically crafting a world where "Sony won the tech race." Small crew, run & gun. He really cashed in his R1 cred to make a bold & prescient AI commentary. pic.twitter.com/j2xDeRxJqK
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) August 30, 2023
Saw 3 scenes from #TheCreator & holy hell GET HYPE! Gareth Edwards blends a guerrilla style Vietnam War aesthetic w/90s analogue tech to craft a breathtaking piece of original sci-fi. The sound is explosive, the sense of realism visceral. It's shaping up to be spectacular! pic.twitter.com/HefiHUO6kR
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) August 30, 2023
Saw 3 scenes from #TheCreator & holy hell GET HYPE! Gareth Edwards blends a guerrilla style Vietnam War aesthetic w/90s analogue tech to craft a breathtaking piece of original sci-fi. The sound is explosive, the sense of realism visceral. It's shaping up to be spectacular! pic.twitter.com/HefiHUO6kR
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) August 30, 2023
Lucky to watch a few scenes from Gareth Edwards #TheCreator tonight, and they were STUNNING. Completely original Science Fiction epic, with gorgeous landscapes and even more gorgeous SFX. Cannot wait for Sept 29th! pic.twitter.com/jgZQCQHONr
— That Hashtag Show (Official) (@ThatHashtagShow) August 30, 2023
The Creator will be released in theaters on September 29, 2023.
