Surrogates is a 2009 science fiction film directed by Jonathan Mostow, starring Bruce Willis.

Surrogates is a 2009 science fiction film, based on the 2005–2006 comic book series of the same name. Directed by Jonathan Mostow, it stars Bruce Willis and Radha Mitchell. The film revolves around the mysterious murder of a college student linked to the man who helped create a high-tech surrogate phenomenon that allows people to purchase unflawed robotic versions of themselves, being fit and good looking remotely controlled machines that ultimately assume their life roles, enabling people to experience life vicariously from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

General summary (Spoilers to follow): Okay, here we go in as short a time as possible. In the year 2017 everybody, or nearly everybody, lives vicariously through a robot double that, for the most part, is a hyper visual representation of one's perfect sell. You to the max, though sometimes, men may be women and vice versus. Since robots venture out to do the bidding of man, crimes have in general dropped to zero, as has racism, given that know one knows exactly who is who, what sex they are, what race they are. Its the beginning of what some would deem the perfect world. However, there are 'meat bags', real people who follow an enigmatic leader who wants nothing to do with surrogacy. They live in surrogate free zones. Okay, no murder have occurred in like forever until on day, the son of the man who invented surrogates is killed by a strange device. Bruce Willis' character must chase down the killer. He finds it is a deeper conspiracy than imagined (What? No. Do tell
Okay, this is a straight forward, no brainer sci-fi plot. You can see the ending coming by two minutes into the film. The film itself is a commentary on the current age and future coming of virtual existence. Surrogacy is the equivalent of a 3D version of 2D Second Life. And while I cannot see every person on earth living through a robot version of themselves, I can see a 3D version of Second Life coming in the future. It really is just a matter of time. Thus, this film is an expression of the potential consequences of that coming age. Isolation, unreality, vicariousness. Surrogates (the film) is also a current take on The Matrix and a variant of Lawnmower Man. Willis character is awaking to the reality that we, as a race, are becoming isolated among millions, distant from those we love, and unaware that our humanity is being stripped away, circuit by circuit, till we are nothing more than mechanical shells that do the bidding of our vicarious self. There are also some light references to Stranger in a Strange Land and new age spirituality or the new human awakening.

Now, there are obviously some weak moments and plot problems big enough to drive a semi through. Sex is obvious, but procreation never address. It would be a problem in world where two people never meet, touch, or do the hanky-panky. So children, that's a problem. Also, if one continued to stay in a chair and eat with no exercise, the real body would atrophy. None of this is addressed. Plus, I find it hard to believe that in a mere seven years, every US citizen, and most of the worlds population could be replaced by robotic replicants. And there are others that you can figure out if you want to watch it.

Overall, I give Surrogates a 3 1/2 out of 5. Acting is decent, at times even taking on a robotic like movement and tone. Unfortunately, this is inconsistently handled throughout the film. Shot composition takes no chances and that hurts this kind of film a bit. Dialogue is adequate and well executed. I won't say you will love this film, but I will say that you can watch it or read the comic book. But if I were you, I would have someone watch it for me, considering.