A Glitch in the Matrix (Rodney Ascher, 2021, USA)

Sometimes all a documentary needs is a compelling subject, and Rodney Ascher’s 2021 documentary A Glitch in the Matrix is proof of that. An exploration of simulation theory, Matrix (which spends a lot of time dwelling on that film) is working from a solid starting point. It is a fascinating thought experiment to consider, and one that seems to be becoming more relevant year after year with advances in artificial intelligence. Ascher’s prior two documentaries - Room 237 and The Nightmare - were both compelling, and largely focused on interviews (without interference of the filmmaker).

A Glitch in the Matrix falters more than the prior two films simply because simulation theory is a bit denser theoretically than interpretations of The Shining or sleep paralysis demons. The film does add some narrative heft by including Nick Bostrom, the philosopher who wrote a landmark paper popularizing the concept. One wishes that Ascher had incorporated more figures like Bostrom - in other words, academics and other researchers who have seriously thought about this issue. Ascher instead mostly focuses on random people who believe they are living in a simulation. This is fine in part, but the depth and extent of these interviews start to become grating after a while.

The most interesting case involves Joshua Cooke - a man who killed his parents while believing he was in The Matrix (thus creating the so-called “Matrix defense”). This is at least an example of where such unchecked solipsism can lead. Stylistically, the film is novel, as most Ascher films are. Unfortunately, this one is the weakest of the films I have seen from him. It is a shame, because the subject matter itself is fascinating. There was a way to tighten this film and make it more compelling. The parts with Philip K. Dick were interesting.

5/10