Prototype is a slow-burn family drama with a sci-fi twist. It begins with a family that is controlled by their domineering husband/father and adds in androids. Though the drama is relatively straight-forward, it is also fittingly suspenseful. The movie doesn’t rush in to anything. It takes its time establishing the four members of the family, their robotic assistant and the way they all interact with each other. The drama comes pretty fluidly from there. The action is a little clunky and the story’s conclusion feels disappointingly perfunctory, but the pacing and sense of tone are strong enough to make up for that. On top of that, the performances are good and the filmmakers use their limited budget well, creating a reasonably believable world. This is an entertaining use of the genre.
Engineer Roger Marshall dominates his wife and two kids through physical/emotional abuse. When he brings home the new robotic assistant prototype to take over the house, it starts clashing with their other android, putting all of the Marshalls in danger.
Prototype eases its way toward its plot. Its initial focus is on presenting the relationships inside the house. There isn’t much subtlety in introducing short-tempered Roger, patient Shelley, their two children and the way their helper, One, is utilized by them. Since this isn’t some kind of examination of domestic abuse, subtlety isn’t really necessary. The movie makes its points quickly, without going over the top. Roger is a bully. Shelley stays with him for the kids. Their teenage son responds to the situation by lashing out, while their preteen daughter mostly hangs out in her room with One. It is immediately clear how tenuously this family is held together, as well as how easily it could blow apart.
There are no big speeches by any of the characters and the story never labors to force its concept on the viewer. With the exception of an opening scene showing an out-of-control android, it allows the suspense to build organically. It is like any family drama where the uncomfortable dynamics are thrown into disarray by the arrival of a newcomer. The sci-fi element brings a slight spin that makes it feel more original than the basic plot truly is.
The designs of the two main robots are surprisingly effective, considering how low-tech they are. There is no complicated machinery. They look humanoid, with the wiring on their necks and the easy access paneling on their heads making it very difficult to forget they are machines. You don’t need fancy special-effects to create a convincing robot. The most important part is that they move and sound like one. The makeup does the rest. The fact that they aren’t “realistic” actually makes them more intimidating.
By starting slowly, it ensures that the tension largely comes from Roger. That means he always appears to be the bigger threat, even when Two begins to seem sinister. True, this is a genre story, yet the family drama doesn’t take a backseat to the thriller aspect until near the end. That is a strength of Prototype. It never tries to do too much. It is a simple story, solidly executed. It may not amaze; however, it cleanly sets up its premise and then follows through skillfully and enjoyably.
—Ben Pivoz