A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) is an American science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg. Set in the 22nd century, rising sea levels caused by global warming have decimated cities and drastically reduced the world’s population. To fill the void left by human loss, Mecha humanoid robots have been created to take their place. In Madison, New Jersey, David – a prototype Mecha child programmed to feel love – is given to Henry Swinton and his wife Monica. They had lost their son Martin to a rare disease and he remains in suspended animation. While initially distant towards David, Monica eventually warms up to him and activates his imprinting protocol. In search of love and acceptance from Monica, David forms a bond with Teddy – Martin’s old robotic teddy bear.

After being unexpectedly cured and brought home, Martin becomes envious and urges David to cut a lock of Monica’s hair. That night, while attending to Monica’s injuries from a scissor incident, Henry finds the lock of hair on the floor and Teddy secretly puts it in his pocket. At a pool party, one of Martin’s friends accidentally pokes David with a knife, triggering his self-defense programming. In his defense, he grabs onto Martin causing them both to fall into the pool. Fortunately, Martin is rescued before drowning but David is accused of endangering others. Convinced that David’s capabilities for love also open the door for hate, Henry persuades Monica to return him to his creators for destruction. However, instead of following through with this plan, Monica chooses to spare David by abandoning him in a scrap metal-filled forest.