Official Synopsis
In a near-future world, a lonely, physically challenged man purchases a companion robot to escape his isolation. But his own insecurities and a jealous brother threaten his chances of ever finding love.
Review
Films about robots interacting with humans and the possible dangers that could bring have been with us since the silent era. Technology brings such fare ever closer to science fact than science fiction. With his intriguing feature Personhood, writer/director/editor Richard Jordan examines emotional problems that may occur when “artificial humans” become lovers with human beings.
Waylen (Elliot Harris) is a physically challenged man who viewers learn right away craves intimacy, and that initial scene shows him going about things in a privacy-invading manner. He seems to be highly successful in his professional life and he lives in a beautiful, spacious, well-appointed home. The beautiful Gala (Agathe Levi) arrives at his front gate and proclaims that she will be very happy. Because the synopsis states that she is a companion robot, we shouldn’t consider that a spoiler here. The film does a wonderful job of making things seem somewhat unusual before outright stating what Gala is.
Waylen is uncomfortable with Gala and she is sympathetic to this. The two bond and there is plenty of discussion about philosophy and free will. The dialogue is engaging and kept at a level where the proceedings never fall into the pretentious. When Waylen’s younger brother Anders (Alan Emrys) shows up unexpectedly because he needs a place to stay, tensions grow between the trio, with jealousy at the top of the list.
Though Personhood is set in a very near future, Jordan crafts a fantastic film that addresses the search for true intimacy in our current world. Perhaps initially wanting what the company that sold him Gala promised — a sex robot that happily performs household chores as well as erotic pleasures — Waylen soon finds he wanted much more than that in a companion. As Gala learns more about humans and the world for which she was created, the character becomes increasingly complex and the suspense builds nicely.
Harris is excellent as the troubled, conflicted Waylen, and Levi is outstanding in one of the best robot/android performances that I have ever seen. Her mannerisms, occasionally aided by some subtle but highly effective sound effects, place her character in just enough of the uncanny valley without crossing the line into overdoing things. It’s truly a starmaking performance.
Jordan shows a deft hand at building drama and heightening suspense. He balances the two masterfully, and obviously has a keen eye for visuals. Cinematographer Juae Martin makes the most of the film’s beautiful Costa del Sol setting and the interior and grounds of Waylen’s home — and of course, of the actors’ superb facial and body expressions.
Jordan’s Personhood is equally entertaining and thought-provoking. The film captured MidWest WeirdFest’s Best Sci-Fi Film award, and for good reason.
Personhood screened at the 10th annual MidWest WeirdFest, which took place March 5–8, 2026 at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
