Natasha Lyonne to Direct Groundbreaking AI-Driven Sci-Fi Film 'Uncanny Valley'

A New Frontier in Filmmaking

Natasha Lyonne, known for her roles in Poker Face and Russian Doll, is taking on a pioneering role as both director and star of a new science fiction film titled Uncanny Valley. This project represents a bold experiment in merging human creativity with generative artificial intelligence.

Innovative Use of AI Technology

The film is co-written by Brit Marling, famous for The OA, and backed by the AI-focused studio Asteria. It will feature AI-generated visuals created using Marey, an "ethical" generative AI model developed by Moonvalley. Marey is notable for being trained exclusively on fully licensed and copyright-cleared data, setting a new standard for responsible AI use in the entertainment industry.

Storyline and Visuals

Uncanny Valley tells the story of a teenage girl whose life spirals out of control after becoming addicted to a popular augmented reality (AR) video game. The film will combine live-action performances with AI-generated virtual environments. These visuals are partly designed by Jaron Lanier, a respected VR pioneer and vocal critic of AI, adding a unique perspective to the project.

Addressing Ethical Concerns

Asteria, co-founded by Lyonne and filmmaker Bryn Mooser, emphasizes creative ownership and ethical sourcing of data, contrasting with other AI models like those from OpenAI. Lyonne describes the film as a blend of The Matrix and Columbo, reflecting the expansive creative possibilities AI can unlock while acknowledging the complicated issues surrounding artists’ rights.

Cultural Impact and Industry Context

The timing of Uncanny Valley is significant, arriving amid heated debates around AI in Hollywood, especially following last year’s strikes and artists’ protests against companies like OpenAI and Google over copyright infringement concerns. This film’s commitment to "clean AI" usage may serve as a test case for ethical AI integration in creative industries.

What’s Next?

No release date or distribution platform has been announced yet. However, with Lyonne directing and starring, and Brit Marling co-writing and co-leading, Uncanny Valley is poised to become one of the most high-profile AI-powered cinematic experiments to date. The industry will be watching closely to see whether AI can become a responsible ally in filmmaking or if it will intensify existing controversies.