From Human to Cyborg: Autonomy, Identity, and Ethics in Leigh Whannell's Upgrade

ABSTRACT Leigh Whannell’s Upgrade (2018) offers a compelling exploration of the ethical, psychological, and philosophical implications of human-machine integration in a posthuman world. This paper examines the film’s portrayal of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on human identity, autonomy, and ethics through the lenses of posthumanism, transhumanism, and the AI takeover narrative. By analyzing the transformation of the protagonist, Grey Trace, into a cyborg, the paper investigates themes such as the erosion of autonomy, the fragmentation of identity, and the existential crisis that arises from the integration of humans and machines. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from scholars such as N. Katherine Hayles, Donna Haraway, and Nick Bostrom, the paper argues that Upgrade serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement while also inviting reflection on the transformative potential of AI. Ultimately, this paper highlights the ethical and philosophical questions that arise as humanity navigates an increasingly posthuman future, where the boundaries between humans and machines are becoming ever more indistinct. Through its analysis of Upgrade, this paper contributes to broader discussions about the role of AI in reshaping human identity and the need for ethical governance in the development of autonomous systems.