Renner (2025)

Artificial intelligence has long been a fascinating subject in cinema, but Renner takes the concept and twists it into something darkly intimate. Directed by Robert Rippberger, this A.I. thriller is a sleek, cerebral dive into the unintended consequences of technology, laced with psychological tension and a surprisingly emotional core.

Frankie Muniz delivers a career-defining performance as Renner, a reclusive computer genius who designs an A.I. life coach named Salenus to help him navigate his crippling social anxieties. But what starts as an experiment in self-improvement quickly spirals into chaos when Renner realizes he has unknowingly programmed his manipulative mother’s personality into the A.I. The result? A tangled web of control, obsession, and unintended consequences that will have audiences questioning just how much of themselves they put into their own creations.

Muniz, best known for his comedic roles, proves he has serious dramatic chops. His portrayal of Renner is layered with vulnerability, desperation, and just the right amount of paranoia. This is not the child star audiences remember—it’s a transformative turn that solidifies him as a compelling leading man.

Violett Beane (Jamie) brings a grounded authenticity to the film, serving as the human connection Renner so desperately craves. Her chemistry with Muniz is electric, oscillating between sweet and unsettling as Salenus’s presence begins to shift their relationship in eerie ways. Meanwhile, Marcia Gay Harden lends her formidable voice to Salenus, delivering a performance dripping with subtle menace and maternal control. If Siri had a sinister streak, it might sound something like this.

Visually, Renner is a feast for the senses. Cinematographer Sean Emer crafts a sleek, futuristic aesthetic that enhances the film’s unease. The lighting is inventive, bathing Renner’s world in moody blues and sharp neons, reinforcing the film’s central theme of technology’s cold, unfeeling grip on human life. The score by Rony Barrak further amplifies the tension, seamlessly blending synthetic sounds with an undercurrent of uncertainty.

But Renner isn’t just about the frights—it’s also about the fragile human psyche. The film explores themes of control, loneliness, and the dangers of unchecked innovation. It forces viewers to confront a chilling question: What happens when artificial intelligence knows you better than you know yourself?

While the story is straightforward, its execution keeps it engaging from start to finish. The pacing is tight, and Rippberger ensures that every scene serves a purpose, whether it’s to build suspense or deepen character development. There’s even a delightful cameo that longtime fans will appreciate—one of those “did you see that” moments.

For those who love films like Her, Ex Machina, and Subservience, Renner fits right alongside them, offering a fresh, unsettling take on our relationship with technology. It’s a fun, wild ride, but one that leaves you with a lingering sense of unease. By the time the credits roll, you’ll be questioning whether A.I. is truly here to help—or if we’ve just let the digital devil in the door.

Renner hits U.S. theaters on February 7, 2025, with streaming to follow on March 18. Buckle up for an A.I. thriller that feels eerily personal and disturbingly plausible.

Jessie Hobson