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The latest horror film from Blumhouse Productions focuses on the development of an AI doll called M3GAN which is intended to be the ultimate best friend for children. However, when the doll is gifted to its creator’s grieving and traumatized niece, all hell breaks loose when the AI becomes a little too self-aware, as it learns and adapts faster than expected.
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Something that I have always hated about horror movies and slashers is how logical or predictable it can be. If I can find a logical solution to all of our characters’ problems from the get go, it gets boring. If I see the monster or the thing that’s supposed to scare me too early in the movie, the suspense is gone. But M3GAN? Now, that movie was something different. Was it my intense fear of AI and the prospect of an AI world? Was it the legitimately frightening jump scares? Or was it just the addition of another really creepy doll in the round-up of dolls from horror movies? It’s all three, if I’m honest.
Frankly, I loved the way the movie built up its premise and gave enough background for our main characters that didn’t feel excessive or unnecessary and instead, gave us a worthwhile payoff in the end. It’s a bit of a goofy movie on purpose while also quietly making fun of the way we as society are so reliant on AI and technology, that we’re always trying to find the next “thing” that’s bigger and better. Too often are we sucked into our AI home systems, our phones and iPads, and our computers. Too often do we become emotionally attached to these items, whether we realize it or not.
M3GAN, both the movie and the doll, ultimately taps into our worst fears and terrifies us in the most modern and futuristic way. With its over-the-top depiction of technological progression, the movie is essentially talking directly to us, practically warning us about going too far with technology. But it remains an entertaining experience as it mixes in humorous moments that feel ridiculous but are laced with a creepy and unsettling feeling. If you remember the Furby craze, you know what I’m talking about.
If jump scares and slasher-style horror films aren’t for you, then I can understand skipping on this. But look, I’m not fond of them either and yet I was pleasantly surprised as well as happily terrified. I can’t promise this won’t give you nightmares or make you fear AI tech more than you did before, but I can say 2023 came out the gates swinging with this M3GAN.
Samosa Rating:
M3GAN receives 4 out of 5 Samosas.
M3GAN is now playing in theaters.
Runtime: 1h 42m
