· The Artifice Girl · by Franklin Ritch @ Beatley Library

The titular “girl” is an AI program that accesses internet chatrooms in the guise of a preteen girl. Its objective is to attract online pedophiles, get them to reveal details about themselves, and pass the information along to the authorities. It seems like a good cause, but the program is constantly self-improving to the point that it worries its developers. The story is presented as a three-act morality play, with each act occurring in a single room where a small cast discusses and debates the project.

■ Title — The Artifice Girl
■ Director — Franklin Ritch
■ Cast — Tatum Matthews, Lance Henriksen, Sinda Nichols
■ Unrated, suitable for teens and adults
■ ©2022 | 1h 33m | Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
■ Distributed by Lionsgate