Replica

“The film’s most touching moments are those when other people in the women’s lives reach out in gestures of unexpected, real connection.” Amber Wilkinson, Screen International With a curious and empathetic eye, director Chouwa Liang captures loneliness and the desire for connection in modern China as three women turn to artificial intelligence for love. Qui quietly escapes the burden of work by creating an online anime lover while Muna, growing increasingly alienated in her marriage, turns to ChatGPT for companionship. Sonya takes scenic selfies with her virtual boyfriend, a blond-haired, blue-eyed AR filter who’s also been designed with a six pack of abs—and who may not be as loyal as she thinks. A real-life version of Spike Jonze’s sci-fi romance Her, Replica is surprising and at times unsettling in how it contemplates the limitations of digital intimacy, exploring how technology rapidly changes our relationship with others as well as with ourselves. In Mandarin and English with English subtitles “What emerges isn’t just a story about AI, but a reflection on what it means to feel seen, understood, and, perhaps, loved.” Dean Broughton, The Georgia Straight Post-screening discussion with psychologist Mary Jia, clinical counsellor Angela Ivy Leong, sociologist Laura K. Nelson, and psychiatrists John-Jose Nunez and Joseph Tham. Moderated by Dr. Harry Karlinsky, series director.