Can Artificial Intelligence Fall in Love?
Russia is producing a new feature film that explores the boundaries of grief, memory, and artificial intelligence—asking whether machines can truly replace human connection.
When Loss Becomes Unbearable
Russian screenwriter Ekaterina Mavromatis and director Vladimir Kondaurov are developing a drama about a man attempting to recreate a loved one using artificial intelligence. The film, produced by Ruben Dishdishyan and essayist Alexander Tsypkin, centers on personal grief and technological resurrection—a man loses his wife and builds a digital replica to bring her back.
“AI is seeping into every part of life, including cinema. What was science fiction yesterday—like living with a robot—is becoming reality,” Dishdishyan told TASS. “In our story, the protagonist's wife dies, and he creates her digital copy. But as he interacts with her, he begins to learn unexpected things.”
Progress, Ethics, and the Boundaries of Emotion
The project raises classic philosophical and ethical dilemmas: Can digital clones substitute for real people? Can a machine—however well it mimics memory—offer true emotional reciprocity? Where do we draw the moral line in human-AI interactions?
AI is already used widely in film production, particularly in image generation, slashing production costs. Still, Dishdishyan insists that AI won’t replace creative professionals like screenwriters. Despite automation, human insight remains irreplaceable in storytelling.
While Russia has produced non-fiction works about AI, few narrative dramas have taken on the subject. This film aims to confront the most emotionally charged and ethically complex aspects of human-AI relationships—including the possibility of genuine emotional bonds.
A Long-Standing Fascination With Human-Machine Love
The idea isn’t new. Long before the term 'artificial intelligence' existed, Romantic author E.T.A. Hoffmann raised the question in 'The Sandman,' asking whether a man could fall in love with a lifelike doll named Olympia.
In modern cinema, Spike Jonze’s 2013 film 'Her' portrayed a man who develops a romantic relationship with his operating system. In 2021, Maria Schrader’s 'I’m Your Man' told the story of Alma, a woman paired with a robot designed to match her preferences. Though skeptical, Alma’s journey explores what it means to feel and be felt by something not human. The film offers no final verdict—but suggests AI can enhance emotional well-being.
Mass Entertainment Meets Machine Learning
The upcoming Russian production reflects a global fascination with AI’s integration into everyday life and media. Its potential success could mark Russia’s first internationally recognized fictional film focused on AI-human relationships.
It’s also part of a broader trend: AI is increasingly influencing Russian mainstream entertainment. This momentum may inspire more local filmmakers and writers to explore emerging tech in emotionally nuanced ways.
