Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘M3GAN’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

(From left) Cady (Violet McGraw), M3GAN and Gemma (Allison Williams) in M3GAN, directed by Gerard Johnstone. Photo Credit: Geoffrey Short/Universal Pictures. © 2022 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. All Rights Reserved.

Something that is genuinely fascinating about horror, is how some of the icons in the genre, have undergone incredible reinvention in the 21st Century. Take for instance, the zombie. For this creature was lying dormant in the shadows at the turn of the century, courtesy of a bevy of films that did nothing refreshing with them. But Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later and Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead remake, found a way to make them scary and relevant again, by injecting speed into their rotten legs alongside unique commentary. Which introduced a whole new generation to the wonder of the living dead, to the point where they eventually became the most popular monster on the planet, courtesy of their television takeover via The Walking Dead. Not to mention, even the vampire has found new life in this century by way of stories such as Twilight, which took the time to update the vampire’s unique mythos.
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But as briefly mentioned a moment ago, not every monster has enjoyed such a renaissance. For the werewolf still languishes in stories that have yet to really showcase its relevance to modern times and even the killer doll remains in a holding pattern. Granted, Chucky and his twisted world remain popular for certain and rightfully so, since his franchise has grown to be more inclusive in nature, but he is truly the only killer doll icon out there of note. Leaving all of us to wonder, what would it and what does it take then to properly reinvent a monster in modern times so that audiences everywhere can explore their wonder and keep their mythos alive? Well as it turns out, a brand-new horror feature from Universal Pictures may have figured out that very formula. For M3GAN is a story that reinvents and refreshes the wonder of the killer doll for a new generation.  

A feat that this story accomplishes by taking us on quite the intimate and somewhat sorrowful ride. For when we are introduced to Gemma and her niece Cady, they’re going through a difficult time. In that, Cady’s parents have perished in a horrible accident, bringing these two together in the hopes of repairing what little family unit they have left. But Gemma is a career-oriented woman, making it hard for them to find that connection. Yet oddly enough, grief does inspire Gemma to lean into her expertise as a toymaker, to try something bold and perhaps create a toy that can in fact, help bridge the gap in situations like this, prompting her to give life to M3GAN. An ultra-realistic android that can learn and adapt, with no data restrictions, to become the perfect friend that will never leave the side of its master. However, the problem inherent with that much freedom, is that M3GAN is also able to learn about the darker aspects of the human condition and how they might benefit a being that is free of consequence and conscience, giving rise to new paths forward for M3GAN when it comes to her prime directive; protect her new best friend at all costs. 

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Which is… the perfect way to reinvent and re-energize this particular monster for the 21st Century. For the vast majority of killer dolls that preceded M3GAN in horror are grounded in mysticism and voodoo curses, which simply don’t have same impact in the 21st Century, with Chucky still being the outlier to that. But there is a real fear of technology that exists in this era and some genuine belief that it is up to us to create new technology responsibly and M3GAN plays into those fears and concerns wonderfully, in a manner that truly is refreshing and inventive. Because we haven’t seen anything like M3GAN before and that creates a sense of awe when she begins to indulge in evil, since it gives rise to fresh and inventive kills that fit the mold for this century and of course, make us uncomfortable along the way, as good horror stories are wont to do.  
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But where this motion picture truly shines, is in its commentary on the human condition. Because this is also a story that ponders deeply on the notion of grief and for that matter, family, and what it means to us and that is surprisingly… welcome to find here. Because it adds genuine depth to a story and a subgenre that traditionally is devoid of such matters. For now, there are emotional stakes that accompany the carnage, and it adds depth and sympathy to the characters as well. For now, we feel for them and their plight and we’re rooting for them to find a way to heal and of course, conquer the surprise evil that has come into their lives. Plus, it is a relatable theme since we’ve all dealt with grief and its power in some capacity, giving rise to a plot that finds a way to stay with you long after this story has come to an end, and that’s huge, and that, combined with those modern twists, are two key reasons why this film is so enjoyable, yet its wonder doesn’t end with its deeper musings.

Because this is also a horror story, that understands its monster and knows that in order to really sell a sassy killer doll, that at times, has some killer dance moves, is to have to fun with the story. Which is why it is also a treat, to find the humor that is present in this film. Since the jokes and purposefully awkward moments help to add levity to the heavier moments and allow for the viewer to properly enjoy the creative kills present in this tale, giving rise to an outright fun and engaging experience. One that never tries to be more than it is and manages to reinvent the killer doll genre subgenre of horror in the process. Because M3GAN truly is a brand-new killer for a brand-new age of storytelling, and her wondrous arrival in this story will undoubtedly influence the genre for years to come, and the best news of all… is that you can experience this happening today. For M3GAN is now in theaters and we certainly hope you give this motion picture a look, for it really is a refreshing and original tale of technological terror.  

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