Soon in local cinemas is A.X.L. is a fascinating action-adventure movie inspired by the seven-minute short film titled Miles, also by its director Oliver Daly.
Presented by VIVA International Pictures and MVP Entertainment, A.X.L. is a top-secret, robotic dog that has advanced artificial intelligence created by the military. After an experiment gone wrong, A.X.L. is discovered hiding in the desert by Miles, a kindhearted outsider who finds a way to connect with the robot.
The two soon develop a special friendship based on trust, loyalty, and compassion. Helping Miles gain confidence, A.X.L. goes to any length to protect his new companion, including facing off against the scientists who want their creation back.
Portraying Miles is Alex Neustaedter, who was Daly’s top choice for the role. He describes Neustaedter as “a bit of Luke Skywalker character, but with a James Dean quality as well.” Neustaedter didn’t miss the opportunity to take on the role and was also “impressed with how passionate Oliver was about the film.”
Sara, “the true hero of the story,” according to Daly, was played by actress, pop star, and model, Becky G, who collaborated with the director on making important decisions about her character. Becky G hopes that the youth would embrace Sara’s spirit, strength, and independence.
Although the main character is a robot, Daly still “wanted the actors to have the experience of working with something that’s actually on set.” So to give him a more lifelike appearance, they decided to incorporate a suit performer inside to give the character a “sense of genuine body language.”
AXL deals with important real-life issues, particularly about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. Daly wanted people to realize that artificial intelligence isn’t necessarily the problem, but it’s the people that control them.
“Apart from new technologies being often considered as weapons, the biggest danger is that the people with these technologies have a lot of power, and that power can corrupt us very quickly,” Daly said.
