In a world where quick thinking and clever minds reign supreme (sorry, not sorry to AI), we’ve curated a cinematic journey filled with intellect, wit and ingenuity. Join us as we delve into a captivating list of films where humans tap into the power of their intellect to conquer challenges, unravel mysteries and outsmart the odds. These movies showcase the limitless potential of the human mind.
‘EX MACHINA’
Thought-provoking and visually stunning, Ex Machina delves into the complex world of artificial intelligence and human consciousness as it follows Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) a young programmer who wins a competition to spend a week at the secluded estate of Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac), his firms enigmatic and brilliant CEO. Upon his arrival, Caleb discovers he has been specifically chosen to be the human component of a Turing test for Nathan’s latest creation, a beautiful and highly advanced robot named Ava (Alicia Vikander). As the two interact, Ava reveals deep intellect and a deceptive nature culminating in a tense and thought-provoking examination of what it means to be human and the consequences of playing god with technology. A true battle of the minds, only not all are human. Watch Ex Machina on DIRECTV.
‘GOOD WILL HUNTING’
In this Academy Award winning film, Matt Damon plays the troubled Will Hunting, a janitor at MIT who possesses extraordinary mathematical talents but is held back by his haunted past and emotional scars. When he solves a complex graduate-level math problem left on a chalkboard, he attracts the attention of Professor Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard) who takes it upon himself to help Will reach his potential, including bailing him out of jail and negotiating a leniency deal that requires him to receive treatment from the enigmatic therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). Finding his match in Sean, Will must engage in the ultimate battle – with his own brilliant mind to confront and overcome his past traumas and use his genius to his advantage. Sometimes the battle within is just as formidable and transformative as any physical confrontation. Watch Good Will Hunting on DIRECTV.
‘HIDDEN FIGURES’
Hidden Figures unveils the extraordinary, true story of three brilliant African American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson—who waged an unrelenting battle against the racial and gender discrimination of the 1960s to become pivotal figures at NASA during the Space Race. Portrayed by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe respectively, these unsung heroes harnessed their extraordinary mathematical skills to calculate crucial trajectories for space missions. Their relentless determination, intelligence and courage not only shattered barriers and propelled the United States to new heights in space exploration but also advanced the cause of civil rights. Hidden Figures is a poignant and uplifting tribute to the epic battle these women fought with their intellect and resilience against the ingrained norms of their time. Watch Hidden Figures on DIRECTV.
‘RED SPARROW’
Jennifer Lawerence is riveting as Dominika Egorova, a Russian ballerina turned spy, in this espionage thriller. When a career-ending injury sidelines her, Dominika is betrayed by her own uncle and forcibly recruited into the Russian intelligence where she is trained at the notorious Sparrow School and morphs into a lethal asset for her government. Yet, her allegiances are thrown into turmoil when she encounters CIA operative Nate Nash (Joel Edgerton), thrusting her into a high-stakes game of global espionage. As Dominika and Nate engage in a perilous dance of deception and attraction, the lines between friend and foe blur, unfolding a gripping narrative of betrayal, survival and the relentless battle of the mind, body and soul. Watch Red Sparrow on DIRECTV.
MATCH UP WITH JERRY HAIRSTON JR. + LOU YOUNG
Former MLB player Jerry Hairston Jr. and former NFL cornerback Lou Young are no strangers to battling it out for victory on the field but we put their intellectual skills to the test in a game of Match Up at the DIRECTV Studio. Check out who ultimately fought their way to the winner’s circle.
