Watching CTRL on Netflix was like stepping into the near future, where technology dictates more than we realize. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, this movie cleverly tackles the themes of AI, privacy invasion, and the overwhelming dominance of social media in modern life. What immediately pulled me in was its screenlife format — everything unfolds through the protagonist Nella’s (played by Ananya Panday) phone and laptop screens. While it’s not the first time we’ve seen this technique, the execution here felt seamless and authentic.
Nella’s story is a relatable one, especially for a generation that’s almost too comfortable living through devices. She and her partner Joe (Vihaan Samat) are influencers whose relationship exists more online than in reality. Their relationship becomes a critique of how superficial social media can be, as they begin losing themselves in curated moments meant for public consumption. After a breakup, Nella hands over control of her life to an AI called Allen, which is where things take a creepy turn. The idea of outsourcing emotional management to AI is terrifying — Allen (voiced by Aparshakti Khurana) takes over not just her data but her decisions.
Technically, CTRL is impressive. The way the film portrays the online world — from the fake warmth of social media comments to the eerie, almost lifelike movements of Allen — feels unnervingly real. There’s a stark contrast when the movie occasionally steps into the real world, emphasizing how much of Nella’s life is consumed by the digital. The visuals, enhanced by the natural lighting in video calls and the minimalist design of the apps, add to the movie’s authenticity.
However, despite its thought-provoking premise, the film stumbles a bit in its pacing. The first half felt slow, almost tedious, as Nella’s interactions with the AI dragged on. I found myself wishing the movie had picked up momentum sooner, and while Ananya Panday delivered a solid performance, the film’s emotional depth got lost at times amidst the technical elements. The commentary on AI’s creepiness was clear, but the repetitive sequences of Nella’s emotional journey made it hard to stay fully invested.
Ultimately, CTRL is a cautionary tale about the dangers of handing over too much control to technology, and while it’s an insightful look into our future, it doesn’t always hit the right emotional notes. I’d give it a solid 3 out of 5 — a visually striking and relevant thriller, but it struggles to maintain its grip on the viewer. If you’re interested in AI, privacy issues, and the dark side of social media, CTRL is worth checking out, but you’ll need a bit of patience to get through the slower bits.
Information Sources:
https://scroll.in/reel/1073961/ctrl-review-a-gripping-thriller-about-data-privacy-in-the-age-of-ai
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