Episode three of season two of Find That Film is the story of an AI seemingly making a friend: Robot & Frank. Frank Langella (who is amazing in this film) just won a Tony for lead actor which makes me wonder why he doesn’t have more recognition. He’s a true acting treasure.

Jake Schreier and Christopher Ford based their first feature on Ford’s thesis, which Schreier had produced, at Tisch School for the Arts. Robot & Frank is a personal film which delves into dementia and family. We quickly learn that not all of this family’s problems can be blamed on aging. 

The story is set in the near future with video call screens 60″ wide and robots helping in all walks of life. Frank lives alone and unchecked in a sleepy upstate town. His son Hunter (James Marsden) buys him a robot caretaker to lessen the need for Hunter’s constant visits. Robot helps Frank maintain his mental acuity and accompanies him on his walks. His anti-robot daughter Madison (Liv Tyler) finds herself warming to Robot almost as much as Frank has. There is a crime spree and the local detective suspects Frank. All while Frank tries to woo the local librarian (Susan Sarandon) with his talents. 

This is science fiction with heart. Go find Robot & Frank.