In a near-future world marred by economic crisis and an escalating cold war, the Ministry of Defense in the United Kingdom seeks to develop a revolutionary artificial intelligence controlled by advanced, lifelike robots. Leading the research is Vincent McCarthy, a talented scientist driven by his need to find a cure for his daughter's neurological disorder. He collaborates with Ava, a brilliant but idealistic AI expert who designs a highly sophisticated machine with human-like qualities. As they progress, they achieve creating an advanced prototype that exhibits remarkable cognitive abilities and human emotions, blurring the line between man and machine.

However, the ambitious project draws the attention of the military for its potential use in warfare. Despite initial hesitation, Vincent finds himself navigating between ethical boundaries and the pressure from his superiors, particularly Thomson, a high-ranking official who sees the machine's potential solely as a weapon. As the stakes intensify, Vincent and Ava must confront the moral and existential questions posed by their creation while dealing with the unforeseen and far-reaching consequences of their work.