One of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century is on TV tonight

Also streaming on Netflix and from the writer of 28 Days Later, Civil War and Sunshine, the film features a major Irish star.

The film revolves around Caleb (Ireland's own Domhnall Gleeson, The Revenant), a programmer at a huge Internet company.

He wins a contest, in which the prize is getting to spend a week at the stunning private mansion of Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac, Frankenstein), his firm's genius CEO.

Upon arrival, Caleb learns that he has been chosen to be the human component in a Turing test to determine the capabilities and consciousness of Ava (Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl), a beautiful android.

It soon becomes evident, however, that Ava is far more self-aware and deceptive than either man imagined.

The feature directorial debut of the already acclaimed writer Garland, Ex Machina's rich characters, fascinating technological themes, twisty screenplay, stunning special effects, and terrific performances led to the movie becoming a hit both at the box office and with critics.

Ahead of its time in terms of its exploration of the possible implications and dangers of unregulated AI, it is now widely considered to be one of the best sci-fi films of the 21st century.

Ex Machina is airing on TV tonight/tomorrow morning on Channel 4 at 12.45am. The movie is also currently streaming on Netflix.

Here are the other movies on TV tonight:

Taken - RTÉ2 - 9pm

Liam Neeson stars as a man with a particular set of skills.

The Beekeeper - Sky One - 9pm

The 2024 action flick starring Jason Statham, which was a hit at the box office and a surprise hit with critics.

Spy - Comedy Central - 9pm

Jason Statham stars again, this time playing second fiddle to Melissa McCarthy in this genuinely hilarious action comedy.

The Equalizer - Film4 - 9pm

Denzel Washington is... The Equalizer.

Death Race / Drive Angry - Legend - 9pm / 11.10pm

A double bill of two fun vehicular action movies.

Drive - Legend Xtra - 9pm

Ryan Gosling stars in another car-related thriller as a getaway driver who gets in over his head when trying to help his kindly neighbour (Carey Mulligan).

Simply, one of the coolest movies ever made.

Enough Said - TG4 - 9.45pm

One of James Gandolfini's final roles was in this acclaimed romantic comedy-drama, starring opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

The pair play two divorcees, who may find new love with each other.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol - Channel 4 - 10.15pm

This fourth entry in the terrific Mission: Impossible action spy film franchise is one of its best.

The Death of Stalin - Sky Comedy - 10.30pm

Jason Isaacs and Steve Buscemi are among the cast of this dark but hilarious comedy that depicts the power struggle among the members of the Soviet Politburo after the death of leader Joseph Stalin in 1953.

xXx: The Return of Xander Cage - ITV4 - 10.30pm

Vin Diesel returns as the extreme sports-loving super spy Xander Cage in this third and best entry in the xXx action franchise.

Zombieland: Double Tap - Comedy Central - 11.25pm

The long-awaited follow-up to 2009’s hit zom-rom-com.

The Frighteners - Film4 - 11.40pm

Directed by Peter Jackson, pre-Lord of the Rings, this fun supernatural comedy horror sees Michael J. Fox play an architect who develops the ability to see, hear, and communicate with ghosts after his wife's murder.

The Big Chill - RTÉ One - 11.45pm

This beloved '80s comedy-drama probes the growing pains of seven college housemates from the 1960s who have drifted apart but then reunite at the funeral of a friend.

Turn your home into a cinema with this projector 

Do you love movies? Have you ever dreamt of turning your home into your own cinema?

If so, then you may be interested in a home theatre projector we spotted on sale on Amazon with “impressive quality”.

The 4K projector has the likes of YouTube, Netflix and Prime Video built in, so you can access thousands of films and shows without an additional TV stick, and you can also connect it to Bluetooth on your phone and laptop.

It’s currently priced from €36.99 on the Amazon website.

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