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A.I. Artificial Intelligence

A.I.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A.I. Artificial Intelligence is a 2001 American science fiction drama film written and directed by Steven Spielberg. It is based on Brian Aldiss's 1969 short story 'Supertoys Last All Summer Long' and stars Haley Joel Osment as David, a childlike android programmed to love.

Plot

The film follows David, a robot boy programmed to love, who is adopted by a human family. After the family dynamics change, he begins a journey to understand his identity and place in the world.

Production

A.I. Artificial Intelligence was written and directed by Steven Spielberg and developed from an earlier screen story by Ian Watson. The film is also based on Brian Aldiss's short story 'Supertoys Last All Summer Long.'

Cast

Haley Joel Osment stars as David, with Jude Law, Frances O'Connor, Brendan Gleeson, and William Hurt in major supporting roles. The ensemble supports the film's blend of family drama and science fiction.

Themes

The film explores artificial intelligence, love, identity, and what it means to be human. Its setting also reflects concerns about technological dependence and environmental decline.

Key facts

  • The film is a 2001 American science fiction drama directed and written by Steven Spielberg.
  • It is based on Brian Aldiss's short story 'Supertoys Last All Summer Long.'
  • Haley Joel Osment plays David, an android designed with the ability to love.
  • Supporting cast members include Jude Law, Frances O'Connor, Brendan Gleeson, and William Hurt.
  • The story is set in a futuristic society shaped by advanced robotics and environmental change.
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Canadian context

The film is available to Canadian audiences through major digital and home-entertainment platforms, and it has been listed in Canadian storefronts and streaming catalogues.

Frequently asked questions

What is A.I. Artificial Intelligence?
It is a 2001 American science fiction drama film directed and written by Steven Spielberg.
What is it based on?
It is based on Brian Aldiss's short story 'Supertoys Last All Summer Long,' through a screen story by Ian Watson.
Who stars in the film?
Haley Joel Osment stars as David, with Jude Law, Frances O'Connor, Brendan Gleeson, and William Hurt in supporting roles.
What is the film about?
It follows a robot boy programmed to love as he searches for identity and belonging in a futuristic world.
What genre is the film?
It is generally classified as science fiction drama, with fantasy and adventure elements in some listings.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.I._Artificial_Intelligence
    Supports: Release year, director, writer, source material, and principal cast.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ai_artificial_intelligence
    Supports: Director, cast, genre, release date, runtime, and synopsis.
  3. Turner Classic Movies — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/345215/ai-artificial-intelligence
    Supports: Story basis and plot description.
  4. Google Play — https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/A_I_Artificial_Intelligence?id=m_3WSM59aw0&hl=en_CA
    Supports: Canadian availability and synopsis.