Gleeson plays the young coder in Ex Machina, a character whose decency is the mechanism the film exploits. He plays sincerity throughout without hinting at naivety, which is why the ending works: the audience makes exactly the same mistake he does, and for the same reasons.
He is Irish and comes from a family of actors, working in Irish theatre and film for several years before international casting. He has moved between franchise work, art house science fiction and comedy without settling, and he has directed short films as well as performing on stage.
Recurring subjects: decency exploited by people who recognise it, characters slightly out of their depth, and comedy played from genuine discomfort. He plays awkwardness without ever making it a joke, and he is willing to be the least impressive person in a scene, which most leading performers instinctively resist.
His science fiction lead is frequently cited as the reason that film's structure lands at all, since the audience's identification with him is precisely the trap being set. His work across a major space franchise, Irish drama and comedy demonstrates an unusually wide range for a performer of his generation.
For viewers who want a lead who is genuinely fallible. Suited to anyone approaching the chamber science fiction film, and to those who should rewatch it immediately knowing exactly what the ending is.
