In a not-so-distant future in Cold Springs, NY, wherein the setting closely resembles that of the present time, save for Facetime-like communication screens controlled by the human voice and smart cars that look like they bred with mopeds, the curmudgeonly ex-cat burglar Frank (excellently portrayed by Frank Langella) begins to show signs of decay in his decrepit, remote home. His concerned son, Hunter (James Marsden), fails to convince his father to enter a home for the elderly, so he opts for the next best thing: a white, robotic caretaker that doubles as a butler and a housekeeper (voiced by Peter Saarsgard). Frank adamantly resists the new addition to his household, especially after it alters his meals to more vegetables and fruits, but he eventually accepts the robot when Frank realizes that its somewhat submissive nature makes it the perfect accomplice for one final heist.

And so sets the motion of the unconventional buddy caper of Robot & Frank, one of the two winners of this year’s Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. The award is given yearly to distinctive films that explore themes dealing with science and technology. Based on the innovative and fresh (and a little silly) way the theme and overall premise have been featured, there couldn’t have been a more deserving winner than this film.

Though the film may portray advances in science and technology that no longer seem far-fetched in today’s reality, what really makes it a striking piece of cinematic achievement is the humane and delicate unfolding of the strange-yet-believable relationship between Frank and the anthropomorphic device. Highly regarded as one of today’s actors who masterfully portrays any character he steps into, Langella is flawless as Frank, delivering the role of a once-adroit thief whose mental decline dramatically shifts his relationships with his son; his daughter Madison (Liv Tyler); and the friendly librarian, Jennifer (Susan Sarandon), whom Frank romances at some point, culminating in a surprising twist.

And of course, there is the most pivotal relationship of all, that of Frank’s and the Robot’s, which seems to be a commentary on the realities of aging in a very digitized world. Though a bit lagging in pace and mobility compared to other films in the science genre, Robot & Frank still pulsates with enough lifeblood to knock in some good laughs as Frank’s senility momentarily shuts off when he trains the Robot with his systematic blueprints for the heist. And in a touching way that eludes all sentimentally is the revelation Frank makes when he realizes that what he needs more than anything in his life has been there all along—more valuable than the jewelry he planned to steal.

The screenplay by Christopher D. Ford, which was directed by first-time feature director Jake Schreier, ultimately depicts a real humanity and sense of family and belonging that we could all long for in a time in which technology accelerates faster than our minds can process. And for a record-setting summer in which Hollywood mainly served sequels, adaptations, and all that usual fare, Robot & Frank is a delightful treat of originality and heartfelt entertainment.

Limité Rating: 4/5
Director: Jake Schreier
Screenwriter: Christopher D. Ford
Cast: Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, Liv Tyler, Jeremy Strong, Peter Saarsgard
Site: robotandfrank-film.com
Release Date: August 24