Renner 
Directed by Robert Rippberger
Written by Luke Medina and Martin Medina
Starring Frankie Muniz, Marcia Gay Harden, Violet Beane, Taylor Gray
Unrated
Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes 
In theaters on February 7

by Chelsea Alexandra, Staff Writer

Artificial intelligence has long been a central theme in science fiction, often serving as a reflection of humanity’s hopes, fears, and ethical dilemmas surrounding technology. The genre has laid the groundwork for AI as both a tool and a potential threat. Outside the realm of fiction, AI has increasingly become a focal point of discussion. As AI continues to evolve rapidly, its potential benefits and risks are being widely debated. A major concern surrounding AI is its role in spreading misinformation and its potential to replace human creativity in various fields. In Robert Rippberger’s film Renner, computer genius Renner (Frankie Muniz) decides to code an AI life coach for himself instead of going to therapy.

Renner is a brilliant but reclusive computer programmer. Despite being a genius who is on the cover of magazines with a confident smile, he has crippling social anxiety. Aware of his struggles, he knows that this is the one hurdle he must overcome to find love in his life. Instead of taking a traditional route to work on his anxiety, he designs an AI named Salenus (voiced by Marcia Gay Harden). Salenus’ primary job is to help him be a better version of himself. With her guidance, Renner can open himself up to human connection. One of those connections is his next-door neighbor, Jamie (Violett Beane). However, Salenus isn’t too fond of Jamie, and, as Salenus’s influence turns sinister, Renner finds himself trapped in the perilous fallout of his creation.

The premise alone–an AI life coach who becomes too controlling–has the potential for an engaging 90-minute sci-fi thriller. However, as the film progresses, it loses sight of its core narrative. It begins by introducing too many underdeveloped subplots. Instead of fully embracing its straightforward but effective premise, the film complicates itself with an unnecessary story that adds nothing to the main plot. An interesting choice was the introduction of Jamie’s “brother,” Chad (Taylor Gray), who later is reintroduced as her lover. Jamie and Chad have a special interest in Renner and his technology but there is never a clear focus on what their motives are. By the time Renner reaches its climax, the plot becomes so convoluted that it’s difficult to understand what is happening or how the story intends to wrap itself up. Renner spirals into confusion, making it hard for viewers to stay engaged. 

The main premise of Salenus becoming too attached and intertwined in Renner's life is interesting after having a glimpse into Renner’s childhood: the computer genius had accidentally coded in his overbearing mother. Instead of Salenus giving Renner helpful advice, which she is designed to do, she becomes another overbearing and controlling force in Renner’s life. The connection between his past and his reliance on the AI add an intriguing psychological layer that, if explored more thoroughly, could have elevated the film’s emotional depth. Instead, the movie diverts attention to side storylines that feel rushed. 

One sweet treat Renner offers is the on-screen reunion of Craig Lamar Traylor and Frankie Muniz. Fans of Malcolm in the Middle will recognize the duo from their iconic roles as best friends Stevie and Malcolm in the beloved FOX sitcom. Traylor plays a neighbor and his appearance is very much a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment. It is a scene where the two are just crossing paths, and it doesn’t seem as if Renner and his neighbor have much of a friendship; however, it is a nice small nod to the classic sitcom in which they both starred.

Renner presents a compelling premise but struggles to commit to it. Films centered around AI don’t all have to be commentary on the destruction it will cause. Sometimes a fun sci-fi thriller where you accidentally code your overbearing mother into your AI life coach is all an audience needs. Unfortunately with all the potential for what Renner could have been, the film loses its audience by the midpoint.  It becomes bogged down by introducing too many plots with barely any time to really flesh them all out. If Renner would have committed to one plot and fleshed out the psychological connection between Renner and Salenus, there would be something to be invested in. 

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