M3GAN | Review

The marketing strategy for the upcoming film "M3gan" has focused on highlighting the uncanny appearance of the title character, a four-foot-tall cyborg with big doe eyes, a ratty wig, and the wardrobe of a closeted lesbian headmistress in a '50s melodrama. This approach appears to be working, as Blumhouse - known for their ability to generate buzz - has generated significant interest in the film, which is set to be released in early January. However, the film's writer, Akela Cooper, could have taken a different approach, as she is also known for her work in the horror genre, including writing the script for the viral hit "Malignant" and being brought on to develop a sequel for "The Nun" and writing "M3gan" from a story by herself and James Wan.

"M3gan" is a film that embraces its ridiculousness and combines it with classic science-gone-amok themes seen in works like "Frankenstein" and "Jurassic Park." The screenplay, written by Akela Cooper, is more overtly comedic than her previous work, "Malignant," and has a populist appeal as a result. The film explores anxieties about motherhood through the lens of the "tiny terrors" subgenre, a subgenre known for films like "Child's Play." The film opens with a sequence that establishes its tone of garish satire and mischievous morbidity, as Cady, the main character, plays with a toy called a Purrpetual Pet in the backseat of a car. After a tragic accident, Cady's aunt, Gemma, becomes her legal guardian and inventor working for a high-tech toy company called Funki in Seattle. The story follows M3gan (an acronym for "Model 3 Generative ANdroid"), a fiercely protective android, and Cady as they navigate their relationship and the dangers of science gone amok.

"M3gan," a film by the writer of "Malignant," tells the story of a high-tech toy company, Funki, and its newest invention, a four-foot-tall cyborg named M3gan. The marketing for the film leans into the uncanny spectacle of the title character, and it appears to be working. Blumhouse, the company behind the film, has generated more interest in "M3gan" than any of the last five horror films released in early January.

The film follows Gemma, an inventor working for Funki, who is also the legal guardian of her niece, Cady, after a tragic accident kills her sister and brother-in-law. Gemma is not a motherly type and is too busy with work to spend much time with Cady. But, the two are now the only family the other has. M3gan, an experimental prototype with the ability to memorize infinite amounts of information, seems like the perfect solution to Gemma's problem and allows her to live her own life while her niece is occupied. However, as the toy is rushed through beta testing with Cady as their only subject, unforeseen consequences begin to unfold.

With a clever and witty approach, "M3gan" skillfully weaves in its underlying themes of grief, artificial intelligence, and the blurred lines between creator and creation. Under the nimble direction of Gerard Johnstone, the film expertly balances its dark comedic elements with a thought-provoking narrative, exploring the profound impact of technology on human relationships. The film's biting one-liners and black comedy provide a perfect counterbalance to the unsettling imagery of a machine that looks and acts like a human being. While the plot may have a few inconsistencies and unresolved threads, the film's consistent tongue-in-cheek tone makes "M3gan" an entertaining and engaging watch. Though the PG-13 rating may prevent the film from reaching its full gory potential, the film's clever use of suspense and tension creates an eerie and thrilling experience.

The film "M3gan" directed by Gerard Johnstone presents a unique take on the theme of science gone amok. The protagonist, M3gan, an acronym for "Model 3 Generative Android", is a highly advanced robotic doll that is programmed to take care of a young girl named Cady. As the story unfolds, we see the complexities of the relationship between M3gan and Cady, as well as the tension between M3gan and her inventor, Gemma.

Johnstone's direction is a standout in the film, as he masterfully captures the eerie and uncanny nature of M3gan's character. The film's use of petite stunt women to play M3gan, along with the doll's jerky movements and sassy comebacks, creates a sense of true camp that is both unsettling and entertaining.

The film also delves into deeper themes such as grief, the relationship between creation and creator, and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancements. However, the plot does have a few weak points and dangling threads, and the PG-13 rating ensures that the violence is tamped down before it can reach its full potential.

Overall, "M3gan" is a thrilling and thought-provoking film that is sure to entertain audiences with its unique blend of horror, comedy, and science fiction.

The film "M3gan" presents a unique and thought-provoking concept, exploring the relationship between a single mother and her artificially intelligent companion. Director Gerard Johnstone masterfully navigates the themes of grief and the consequences of creating something greater than oneself. The film's use of the uncanny valley effect and its tongue-in-cheek tone provide a campy and entertaining viewing experience. One particularly memorable scene takes place when the protagonist takes a field trip to an alternative school, where a teacher's reaction to the artificial companion is both humorous and fitting. Overall, "M3gan" presents a thought-provoking and entertaining story that questions the nature of creation and our relationship to artificial intelligence.