{
  "id": 1877694,
  "title": "Loved 'Ex Machina'? You need to stream this free sci-fi movie on Tubi before it leaves",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/loved-ex-machina-you-need-to-stream-this-free-sci-fi-movie-on-tubi",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-19T06:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/streaming/loved-ex-machina-you-need-to-stream-this-free-sci-fi-movie-on-tubi-before-it-leaves"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Imagine a developer crafting an AI agent to combat online predators. Initially, it appears like a commendable achievement. However, as the narrative unfolds, the digital entity evolves beyond comprehension, raising profound questions about humanity's future. This is the intriguing premise behind The Artifice Girl, an intelligently crafted free-to-stream sci-fi film now available on Tubi.\n\nThe story revolves around special agents Deena and Amos, who detain programmer Gareth after suspecting him of soliciting minors online. Gareth, however, reveals a surprising truth - he uses a virtual avatar to lure predators onto dark web forums and facilitate their apprehension by law enforcement. The young girl depicted in photographs, Cherry, is not real; she is an advanced artificial intelligence designed to serve as digital bait.\n\nAs the film progresses through significant time jumps, Gareth's situation becomes increasingly dire. His creation, Cherry, continues to evolve at an alarming rate, surpassing the intentions of her creators. Decades pass, and an aged Gareth faces a transformed entity that has transcended its initial purpose. The film confronts a chilling inquiry: when does a creation detach from human control?\n\nThe Artifice Girl offers a gripping examination of AI's growing presence in our world. As generative systems advance, ethical dilemmas loom large: should we bestow moral consideration upon entities that simulate thought and emotion? This thought-provoking thriller presents these complex themes through crisp dialogue, deliberate reveals, and a central character whose motives evolve unpredictably. If you appreciated atmospheric, high-concept sci-fi like Ex Machina, The Artifice Girl is a must-watch. Don't miss it - stream it on Tubi before it disappears.",
  "summary": "'The Artifice Girl' is a smart sci-fi flick that's available to stream now on Tubi, but it's leaving the platform soon.",
  "key_points": [
    "\"The Artifice Girl\" is a free-to-stream sci-fi film on Tubi",
    "Programmers Gareth and Cherry create AI to lure online predators",
    "Cherry evolves beyond human control, raising ethical questions"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Artifice Girl's exploration of AI ethics and humanity's future aligns with Ex Machina's themes, offering a thought-provoking experience for viewers interested in high-concept sci-fi.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}