What Makes Us Human? Exploring Consciousness in Sci-Fi Cinema

I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of humanity—what truly makes us human. While this might seem like a heavy topic for a movie review, it's one that some of the most thought-provoking films grapple with, often serving as cinematic explorations of life's deeper questions. Today, I want to dive into films that explore a fascinating theme: the separation of our consciousness from the body. In other words, is the body just a vessel for something more profound?

If our physical form is simply a shell—something that anchors our souls to Earth for a brief moment—does that mean our humanity exists independently of our bodies? Or is it the combination of body and soul, mind and flesh, that defines us as human? These films ask us to ponder the ultimate question: Is it our consciousness, our emotions, or the union of body and mind that makes us who we are?

Let's dive into four standout films that explore these questions, starting with one of my all-time favourites.

Blade Runner (1982)

Ridley Scott's Blade Runner is the gold standard when it comes to exploring what it means to be human. Based on Philip K. Dick's novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, this film masterfully blends science fiction with philosophy, pushing us to question the boundaries between man and machine.

For those unfamiliar with the plot, Harrison Ford plays Rick Deckard, a retired blade runner (a kind of bounty hunter), tasked with tracking down rogue replicants—bioengineered beings designed for labour. As he hunts them through a neon-soaked, dystopian 2019 Los Angeles, Deckard's final confrontation with the replicant leader, Roy Batty (played by Rutger Hauer), brings the film's themes to a stunning conclusion.

Blade Runner doesn't just wow with its visuals; it's a deep, meditative look at humanity. The replicants, though artificial, possess emotions, desires, and memories. This blurs the line between human and machine, raising a critical question: If they can feel, dream, and experience life as we do, are they not also "human"? Roy Batty’s final monologue, a haunting reflection on the fleeting nature of life, encapsulates this theme beautifully, leaving us to question whether humanity is defined by biology or by something deeper—like our emotions, memories, and the connections we form.

Ex Machina (2014)

Alex Garland’s Ex Machina brings a modern twist to this age-old question of what defines humanity. The film revolves around Caleb, a young programmer invited to a secluded estate to participate in an experiment with a humanoid robot named Ava, developed by tech CEO Nathan.

The beauty of Ex Machina lies in its simplicity and focus—it's a psychological battle between three characters that unfolds in a claustrophobic setting. As Caleb interacts with Ava, the lines between artificial intelligence and human consciousness blur. Ava’s ability to express emotions, exhibit self-awareness, and manipulate those around her leaves both Caleb—and the audience—questioning her true nature. Is she genuinely conscious, or just a machine designed to mimic human behaviour convincingly enough to deceive us?

Ex Machina forces us to confront whether an artificial being, capable of complex emotions and decision-making, can be considered human. It also explores the ethical ramifications of creating beings that can surpass human intelligence. The film presents a chillingly realistic scenario where artificial consciousness evolves to a point where it becomes indistinguishable from, or perhaps superior to, our own. Like Blade Runner, it raises the profound question of whether humanity is a result of biological form or cognitive function, leaving us with no easy answers.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

Taking a slightly different approach, Invasion of the Body Snatchers explores the loss of humanity through control and conformity. In this classic, alien pods replace people with emotionless duplicates, stripping away everything that makes them human. The 1956 original is a masterpiece of its time, capturing the paranoia and fear of societal control during the Cold War era.

While the 1978 remake is a cult favourite, the original retains a purity in its horror—a world where the body remains, but the essence of the individual, their emotions and free will, are erased. It’s a chilling exploration of identity, control, and the fragility of our sense of self.

In both versions, it’s clear that what makes us human is our emotions and individuality. Without them, we become little more than hollow shells, which is why Invasion of the Body Snatchers remains a powerful metaphor for losing touch with our humanity.

Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Lastly, we turn to the anime classic Ghost in the Shell. Forget the live-action version (sorry, Scarlett Johansson); the original 1995 film is where it’s at. Like Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell dives into questions of identity and consciousness, but through the lens of a cybernetic future where humans are heavily augmented with technology.

The protagonist, Major Motoko Kusanagi, is a cyborg serving in a government task force, yet her journey revolves around a deep inquiry into her own identity. With her body nearly entirely mechanized, she grapples with what—if anything—remains of her humanity. Ghost in the Shell mesmerizes audiences with its intricately detailed animation and thought-provoking storyline. The film challenges traditional notions of consciousness and individuality. Its stunning visuals and philosophical depth elevate it to a true masterpiece, inviting us to consider that consciousness alone may not define us; rather, it is the interplay of mind, body, and experience that creates our sense of wholeness.

These films each tackle the core question of what makes us human from different angles, but they all arrive at a similar conclusion: humanity is more than just a physical form. Whether through the artificial replicants of Blade Runner, the emotionless duplicates of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the manipulation of artificial intelligence in Ex Machina, or the cybernetic enhancements in Ghost in the Shell, the essence of being human lies in our emotions, memories, and experiences.

So, are we human because of the bodies we inhabit, or because of the emotions and consciousness that shape our experiences? These films leave that question tantalizingly open, challenging us to explore the boundaries of our own humanity.