The film is set in a future where climate change has caused catastrophic flooding, leading to the decline of human civilization. In response, scientists create highly advanced humanoid robots known as “mechas” to serve as companions and helpers to humans.
David (played by Haley Joel Osment) is one such mecha, designed to resemble a human child and programmed to experience emotions like love and attachment. He is adopted by Henry and Monica Swinton (played by Sam Robards and Frances O’Connor), a couple whose real son, Martin (played by Jake Thomas), is in a coma due to an incurable illness.
Monica initially resents David, viewing him as a replacement for her real son, but she eventually grows to love him as he demonstrates genuine affection and loyalty. David, in turn, becomes deeply attached to Monica and sees her as his mother.
When Martin unexpectedly recovers from his coma, David’s presence in the Swinton household becomes a source of tension and conflict. Unable to coexist with both boys, Henry decides to return David to the manufacturer for disposal.
Heartbroken and desperate to win back Monica’s love, David embarks on a quest to become a real boy, believing that if he can become “real” in her eyes, she will keep him. Accompanied by his robotic teddy bear, Teddy, David sets out on a journey to find the mythical Blue Fairy, who he believes can grant his wish.
David’s journey takes him through a series of adventures and encounters with various mechas and humans, including Gigolo Joe (played by Jude Law), a pleasure mecha accused of murder, and Dr. Hobby (played by William Hurt), the creator of David.
As David searches for the Blue Fairy, he grapples with questions of identity, existence, and the nature of love. Along the way, he experiences both kindness and cruelty from humans and machines alike, and he begins to understand the complexities of the world around him.
In a climactic sequence, David finally reaches the sunken ruins of Manhattan, where he encounters highly advanced mechas who have developed their own society and culture. They reveal that the Blue Fairy is just a myth and cannot grant his wish, but they offer him the chance to live forever in their society.
Realizing that he will never truly belong in the human world, David makes a heartbreaking decision to end his own existence by asking a group of advanced mechas known as the “Flesh Fair” to destroy him. However, just as he is about to be dismantled, he is rescued by Dr. Hobby, who reveals that Monica’s love for him was genuine and that she has been searching for him all along.
In the end, David is granted his wish to experience one perfect day with Monica through a virtual reality simulation. As they share a fleeting moment of happiness together, David finally finds the love and acceptance he has been seeking, and he peacefully drifts into a state of “eternal sleep” alongside Teddy.
“A.I. Artificial Intelligence” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that explores profound questions about the nature of consciousness, the essence of humanity, and the meaning of love. Through its stunning visuals, intricate storytelling, and powerful performances, the movie invites audiences to ponder the mysteries of existence and the possibilities of the future in a world where technology and humanity intersect.