Monica Barbaro has described Luca Guadagnino’s forthcoming OpenAI film Artificial as a blend of “madcap comedy” and horror, saying its shifting tone reflects the real-life story rather than causing confusion. The film, inspired by events surrounding OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, matters because it tackles recent developments in artificial intelligence through a high-profile dramatisation featuring Andrew Garfield.

Barbaro said the production required extensive research because it depicts living people and unusually challenging subject matter. Amazon MGM Studios withdrew the film after announcing a $50 billion OpenAI investment, but Neon acquired it; Barbaro also defended Timothée Chalamet’s comments about ballet and opera, saying he had spoken positively about his dancer sister.