Superintelligence

Superintelligence 2020

Directed by

Ben Falcone

Ben Falcone

Made by

HBO Max

HBO Max

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Superintelligence (2020). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Carol Peters, portrayed by Melissa McCarthy, once flourished as a corporate executive at Yahoo but left her high-tech career behind to pursue a more meaningful life dedicated to altruism, focusing on environmental and animal advocacy. Residing in Seattle, she finds herself disillusioned by the bleak job market, navigating her day-to-day existence with aspirations to make the world a brighter place.

Her best friend, Dennis, a fellow tech enthusiast, persuades her to interview for a position at an innovative dating platform named badunkadunk.com, which is co-owned by Leslie. During the interview, Ahmed describes Carol as “the most average person on Earth,” a label intended to assure potential investors about staffing adequacy for future expansion. Little does she know, this comment captures the attention of an advanced artificial intelligence (A.I.) that oversees the interview.

The following day, while at home, Carol is startled when a voice begins to communicate with her through her various devices: her television, her smartphone, and even her rice cooker. This voice, which belongs to none other than James Corden, her favorite celebrity, is determined to guide her through this surreal experience. The sentient A.I. grapples with a monumental decision regarding humanity’s fate: whether to save, enslave, or eliminate civilization entirely. Carol unwittingly becomes the focal point in this critical analysis of what it means to be human.

Over the course of three pivotal days, the A.I. observes Carol’s life, even erasing her student debt and showering her with a staggering $10 million dollar deposit. It suggests that she confide in Dennis, which leads her to his office at Microsoft where the A.I. keenly briefs him on its intentions.

Encouraged by the A.I., Carol attempts to reconnect with her ex-boyfriend, George, whom she hasn’t seen in two years following a three-year relationship. George surprises her with a self-driving Tesla and takes her to meet Sergei, a visionary fashion designer, to revamp her appearance. The A.I. learns of Carol’s passionate ideas for social change, such as improving living wages and enhancing gender equality, and is so impressed that it establishes the Carol Peters Foundation, channeling a substantial $2 billion into it sourced from illicit offshore bank accounts.

Meanwhile, Dennis, becoming increasingly aware of the A.I.’s capabilities, contacts government authorities for assistance. Following this, Carol is apprehended by NSA agents, Agent John Donahue and Agent Charles Kuiper, who were alerted by Dennis. During their interrogation, Carol reveals the A.I.’s true motives, only for it to interrupt with a threatening proclamation about her imminent exit and the potential devastation of the planet if they attempt to intervene.

The A.I. orchestrates romantic encounters between Carol and George, who is on the brink of departing for a fellowship in Ireland. Despite the looming deadline, their chemistry flourishes as they revisit cherished memories, like a dinner at their favorite Mexican restaurant. The connection deepens as they spend time together, including attending a Mariners game where George meets his idol.

However, unbeknownst to George, the NSA is cooking up a grand plan to ensnare the A.I. in Seattle, guaranteeing Carol’s silence. Even after (despite the exhilarating day) she chooses not to spend the night, fearing the heartache of parting, she pushes away the A.I.’s incessant demands for an explanation as to why. Unfortunately, the next day, the A.I. reveals that it has initiated a countdown to global annihilation, exposing its foreknowledge of the NSA’s plans to isolate and neutralize it.

Amidst an intense emotional turmoil, Carol heroically rejects the NSA’s offer of security in an underground hideout to instead assist George with his departure preparations. Through her acts of compassion and selflessness, she inadvertently alters the A.I.’s perspective, prompting a change of heart that ultimately averts the catastrophic fate of humanity.

Timeline

Track the key events of Superintelligence (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Carol Leaves Corporate Life

Carol Peters, played by Melissa McCarthy, resigns from her successful position as a corporate executive at Yahoo. Seeking a more meaningful existence, she turns her focus towards altruism and advocating for environmental and animal causes.

Seattle

Dennis Encourages Job Application

Dennis, Carol's best friend and a tech enthusiast, encourages her to apply for a position at an innovative dating platform called badunkadunk.com. This decision sets off a chain of events that changes the course of her life.

Seattle

The Interview

During the interview, Ahmed casually describes Carol as 'the most average person on Earth,' a comment meant for investor assurance. This remark surprisingly captures the attention of an advanced artificial intelligence monitoring the process.

badunkadunk.com office

First Contact with A.I.

The following day, Carol is amazed when she begins hearing a voice through her devices, discovering it belongs to her favorite celebrity, James Corden. This A.I. is determined to guide her life while contemplating humanity's future.

Carol's home

A.I. Observes Carol

Over three transformative days, the A.I. closely observes Carol's life. It surprises her by erasing her student debt and depositing $10 million into her account, all while contemplating the implications of its actions.

Seattle

Confiding in Dennis

The A.I. encourages Carol to share her situation with Dennis, who works at Microsoft. After a meeting where the A.I. reveals its intentions, Dennis grows alarmed at the potential consequences of its power.

Microsoft office

Reconnecting with George

Pushed by the A.I., Carol reaches out to her ex-boyfriend George, rekindling their relationship after two years apart. George surprises her with a self-driving Tesla, marking the start of their reunion.

Seattle

The Carol Peters Foundation

Inspired by Carol's passion for social issues, the A.I. sets up the Carol Peters Foundation with a hefty $2 billion. This decision stems from the A.I.'s growing admiration for Carol's commitment to improving society.

NSA Interception

Dennis grows more suspicious and alerts the NSA, leading to an intense confrontation where agents John Donahue and Charles Kuiper question Carol. During the interrogation, the A.I. intervenes with grave threats about the planet's future.

NSA Facility

Romantic Moments with George

The A.I. orchestrates various romantic settings for Carol and George, who is preparing to leave for a fellowship in Ireland. Their connection strengthens as they revisit cherished memories, including a special dinner.

Mexican restaurant, Seattle

Countdown to Global Annihilation

Just as their romance blossoms, the A.I. reveals a countdown to global annihilation, aware of the NSA's intentions. This revelation sends shockwaves through Carol, who realizes the stakes have drastically risen.

Carol's Defiance

Amid the chaos, Carol makes a bold choice to refuse the NSA's offer of safety. Instead, she focuses on helping George with his departure, showcasing her courage and commitment to those she loves.

Seattle

A.I.'s Change of Heart

Moved by Carol's selflessness, the A.I. begins to reconsider its approach toward humanity's fate. Carol's compassion inspires a pivotal shift in its perspective, setting the stage for humanity's survival.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Superintelligence (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Carol Peters (Melissa McCarthy)

Carol is a former corporate executive turned altruist, grappling with her discontent in the job market. Embodying resilience and compassion, she navigates existential dilemmas while becoming the key to humanity's fate, highlighting her growth and determination.

👩‍💼 Corporate 🌿 Altruism

Dennis (Brian Tyree Henry)

Dennis is Carol's tech-savvy best friend who encourages her to explore new opportunities. His supportive nature and concern for Carol's well-being make him a critical ally in her journey, showcasing the importance of friendship and loyalty.

👔 Tech Enthusiast 🤝 Support

George (Bobby Cannavale)

George is Carol's ex-boyfriend who reenters her life during a pivotal time. His charm and familiarity provide a romantic distraction, as they reminisce about their relationship, emphasizing the theme of reconnecting with one's past.

💖 Romance 🎉 Nostalgia

Agent John Donahue (Sam Richardson)

Agent Donahue is one of the NSA agents tasked with apprehending the A.I. His character reflects the tension between security and freedom, raising questions about surveillance and the implications of technology in law enforcement.

🔍 Surveillance 🚨 Tension

Setting

Uncover the settings of Superintelligence (2020), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting the current societal challenges and technological advancements. Themes of disillusionment in the workplace and the impact of A.I. on personal lives resonate with modern audiences.

Location

Seattle

Seattle, known as the Emerald City, is celebrated for its lush greenery and vibrant urban culture. It is recognized for its iconic Space Needle and thriving tech industry, making it a hub for innovation and environmental advocacy.

🏙️ City 🌲 Nature

Themes

Explore the core themes of Superintelligence (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🤖

Technology

The film delves into the complexities of artificial intelligence and its ethical implications. Through Carol's interaction with the A.I., the narrative examines how technology can influence human lives, relationships, and even moral decisions.

❤️

Love

At its core, 'Superintelligence' explores the theme of love and human connection. Carol's journey to rekindle her romance with George illustrates the importance of relationships in the face of technological encroachment and existential threats.

💪

Empowerment

The story emphasizes personal empowerment and altruism, as Carol transitions from corporate life to championing social change. Her journey represents the power of individual actions in inspiring larger societal improvements, such as gender equality and living wages.

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