Ever watched Ex Machina and found yourself mesmerized not just by its story, but its breathtaking, otherworldly setting? You’re not alone—fans everywhere want to know where those striking landscapes and futuristic interiors were filmed.
Understanding the real-life locations behind Ex Machina’s haunting visuals adds a whole new layer to enjoying the film. In this article, we’ll reveal exactly where Ex Machina was filmed and share insider tips for movie lovers and travelers wanting to step into its stunning scenery themselves.
Related Video
Where Was “Ex Machina” Filmed? The Real-Life Locations Behind The Sci-Fi Thriller
Step inside the mesmerizing world of “Ex Machina,” and you’ll find yourself transported to a remote, futuristic, and almost otherworldly environment. Much of the film’s chilling impact comes from its breathtaking location: a house that feels equal parts sanctuary and prison.
So, where was “Ex Machina” filmed, and what makes its setting so unforgettable? Let’s take a deep dive into the real-world locations—and unpack how these spaces set the stage for one of sci-fi’s most thought-provoking films.
The Main Filming Location: The Norwegian Hotel that Stole the Show
The majority of “Ex Machina” takes place in an ultra-modern, isolated home where tech genius Nathan Bateman conducts his mysterious experiments. This sleek, glass-walled mansion is not just a set—it actually exists.
Juvet Landscape Hotel, Norway
- Location: Valldal, in the northwestern fjords of Norway
- Hotel Type: A unique boutique hotel renowned for its cutting-edge blend of architecture and nature
- Architectural Style: Minimalist, modern, heavy use of glass, concrete, and natural materials
Why Choose This Location?
“Ex Machina” required a setting that was:
– Isolated and hard to reach, enhancing the story’s tension and the characters’ sense of confinement
– Visually stunning, expressing both the serenity and coldness of Nathan’s world
– Architectural—so the building itself would become almost a character in the film
The Juvet Landscape Hotel checked every box, with its large glass walls overlooking dense forests and rushing rivers. When you see the exterior—and even many interior—scenes in the movie, you’re actually looking at this incredible property nestled in the Norwegian wilderness.
Filming Details: What You See (and What’s Movie Magic)
- Exterior and Many Interior Shots:
- The stunning hotel cabins provided the backdrop for most scenes inside and outside the house.
-
The hotel’s pure, stylish design fit perfectly with the film’s high-tech, futuristic theme.
-
Purpose-Built Sets:
- Certain interior spaces, especially the underground labs and bedrooms, were constructed on sound stages in the United Kingdom.
-
This allowed the filmmakers to create spaces not present at the actual hotel but essential for the story.
-
The Norwegian Wilderness:
- Sweeping shots of forests, waterfalls, and rivers were taken in the dramatic landscapes surrounding the hotel.
- These wild surroundings amplified the feeling of seclusion.
How Much Is Real?
Most of what you see on screen is real, thanks to the hotel’s design. While some features—like secret laboratories—were built for the film, the overall look, feel, and captivating beauty are genuine.
Why Norway? Benefits and Challenges
Shooting in Norway, especially the breathtaking northwest region, brought immense atmosphere to the movie. However, it presented unique benefits and challenges for the crew:
Major Benefits
- Natural Beauty: The untouched scenery of mountains, forests, and rivers gave the film a timeless, ethereal quality.
- Architectural Uniqueness: The hotel’s futuristic style was perfect for the enigmatic world of artificial intelligence.
- Authentic Isolation: The remote location naturally created the sense of solitude central to the story.
Key Challenges
- Accessibility: The remoteness made it difficult to transport cast, crew, and heavy equipment.
- Weather: Unpredictable Nordic weather conditions demanded flexibility in the shooting schedule.
- Preservation: The crew had to be extra careful to maintain the pristine environment and respect the hotel’s operational needs.
How The Location Shaped the Movie’s Mood
“Ex Machina” uses its setting as a living part of its psychological puzzle. Here’s how:
- Tension and Isolation:
The vast wilderness and impenetrable house walls create a sense of separation from the outside world, building suspense. - Transparency vs. Secretiveness:
The house’s glass walls allow for open views yet conceal hidden, private spaces—mirroring the film’s themes of trust and deception. - Technological Awe:
The cutting-edge architecture reinforces the film’s focus on innovation and the unknown dangers of unchecked technology.
Practical Advice: Visiting or Experiencing the Locations
If you’re inspired by the film’s aesthetic or want to walk in the footsteps of its characters, here are some tips:
1. Stay at the Juvet Landscape Hotel
- Rooms sell out months in advance, especially since the film’s release.
- Enjoy the same dramatic views and minimalist interiors seen in the film.
2. Explore the Region
- Nearby you’ll find hiking trails, waterfalls, and some of Norway’s most beautiful scenery.
- Prepare for changing weather and remote travel.
3. Photography Tips
- The glass-walled rooms and surrounding landscape offer unmatched opportunities for stunning photos. Bring a camera or smartphone equipped for low light, as the area can be atmospheric and misty.
4. Booking Advice
- Make reservations directly with the hotel, and check in advance for available dates and possible film tour packages.
5. Respect the Space
- The Juvet Landscape Hotel is a working hotel, not a film set. Be mindful of other guests, staff, and nature.
Fun Facts About “Ex Machina’s” Filming Locations
- The hotel’s cabins are small and spaced apart, enhancing privacy and blending nearly invisibly into the landscape—adding to the film’s mysterious aura.
- While most exteriors are from Norway, some scenes, especially office or urban sequences, were shot in the UK.
- The underground lab’s futuristic look was achieved through a mix of practical set design and subtle computer-generated enhancements.
Set Design and the Use of Light
- The Juvet Landscape Hotel’s extensive use of natural light and simple geometry created a visually striking contrast between man and machine.
- The interplay of inside and outside spaces mirrors the movie’s exploration of open and hidden truths.
- Cinematographers used the natural play of light and shadow to amplify tension and mystery.
Best Practices for Film Location Selection (Inspired by “Ex Machina”)
If you’re a filmmaker, designer, or just a creative soul, consider these insights when choosing or using locations:
-
Let the Location Be a Character
Use settings that directly support your story’s themes. In “Ex Machina,” the house isn’t just décor—it expresses the script’s conflict between openness and secrecy. -
Pair Architecture and Storytelling
Choose buildings—or design sets—that echo your film’s emotional tone. Minimalism, for instance, leaves room for suspense to breathe. -
Harness Natural Surroundings
Shooting on location can add authenticity and atmosphere that no green screen can replace. -
Balance Practicality and Vision
Sometimes, building sets is necessary for specific sequences, especially those requiring impossible or risky architectural features. -
Prioritize Respect and Sustainability
Always work in harmony with your location, especially in sensitive environments.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of “Ex Machina’s” Setting
The chilling, beautiful, and isolated world of “Ex Machina” was no accident. By choosing the Juvet Landscape Hotel and the wild Norwegian landscape, the filmmakers firmly rooted the story’s psychological tension in a striking, unforgettable place.
If you find yourself entranced by the film’s look, know that much of what you see on screen is waiting to be discovered in real life. Whether you visit Norway or simply appreciate smart location choices in film, “Ex Machina” sets a powerful example of how environment shapes narrative—and thrills its audience long after the credits roll.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where exactly is the main “Ex Machina” house located?
The main house in “Ex Machina” is actually the Juvet Landscape Hotel, situated in Valldal, Norway. This boutique hotel is surrounded by stunning forests, mountains, and rivers, making it both beautiful and remote.
2. Can you stay at the hotel from “Ex Machina”?
Yes, you can! The Juvet Landscape Hotel operates as a luxury boutique hotel. Reservations are recommended well in advance, especially as the film’s popularity has increased demand.
3. Were all the indoor scenes filmed at the hotel?
Not all of them. While many interior and exterior scenes were shot at the hotel’s cabins, some crucial locations—like the underground lab areas—were purpose-built sets on sound stages in the United Kingdom.
4. Why did the filmmakers choose Norway for “Ex Machina”?
Norway offered the perfect combination of dramatic scenery and architectural innovation. Its isolated and lush landscapes heightened the film’s sense of tension and seclusion, and the design of the Juvet Hotel fit the film’s futuristic theme.
5. What role does the setting play in “Ex Machina”?
The setting of “Ex Machina” acts almost as a silent character. Its isolation, modern design, and stunning natural surroundings supply a visual metaphor for the film’s exploration of consciousness, control, and the boundaries between human and artificial intelligence.