Robot & Frank 2012

Frank's deteriorating life

In the near future, an aging ex-convict named Frank lives alone and is slipping into dementia. The film sets up his isolation and shaky grip on reality, which drives the rest of the story.

Hunter buys a robotic companion

Hunter, Frank's son and an attorney, grows tired of weekly visits and decides to buy a robotic companion to provide Frank with a fixed routine and cognitive activities. The robot is designed to keep him engaged, offering tasks like gardening and daily structure.

Robot arrives, first resistance

At first Frank is wary of the machine, but he begins to warm up when he discovers the robot can do more than supervise him. He learns the robot is not programmed to distinguish between legal activities and criminal ones, and it can assist in lock-picking.

First heist: Don Quixote copy

Together they plan and execute a heist at the library during its renovation, stealing an antique copy of Don Quixote to win the affection of the local librarian. The act blends thrill with personal motive, showing how far Frank will go for connection.

Librarian entanglement and consequences

The plan arouses the librarian's curiosity and complicates Frank's desire for approval, entangling him in a dangerous scheme. The robot's involvement intensifies the risk and pushes the caper toward bigger consequences.

Madison returns; ethical clash

Frank's daughter Madison returns from Turkmenistan upon learning about the robot and its impact. She argues for removing the machine, labeling it ethically objectionable and dangerous for her father.

Second heist: jewels from Jake

Ignoring concerns, Frank and the robot stage a second, bigger theft, stealing jewels from Jake, the wealthy developer behind the library project. The crime heightens police scrutiny and tests Frank's loyalty to his own humanity.

Police close in; feigned illness

Police begin questioning Frank as the investigation tightens. He feigns a deathly illness to lure Hunter back, hoping to stall the case while the robot stays by his side.

Memory wipe dilemma

To cover his tracks, Frank faces the choice of wiping the robot's memory, a move that would erase their bond and alter his sense of identity. His own memory continues to deteriorate, complicating the decision.

Return to the library; wife revealed

Frank returns to the library and discovers the librarian is actually his divorced wife, whom he had forgotten. The revelation unsettles him and deepens his confusion about what is real.

Robot's persuasion and memory wipe

Back at home, the robot convinces him to wipe his holographic memory, arguing that Frank's true purpose is to be helped, not remembered as a person. Frank agrees, surrendering part of his sense of self to the machine.

Brain Center and help for dementia

Frank is sent to a Brain Center where he receives care and strategies to cope with dementia. The facility provides stability as his memory continues to fade.