M3GAN (2022)

Fear has a new name: M3GAN.

When a technician at a toy company decides to invent, “the last toy you will ever buy”, she inadvertently creates a learning robot that takes the learning part a little too far. Thinking that the new robot would be a good companion for her grieving niece, Gemma introduces M3GAN and soon finds that their bond may be stronger than she intended.

We have seen the story of a, seemingly innocent, toy being given to a child as a new companion before but what M3GAN is, is something far more dangerous. Having access to the internet and the ability to learn and adapt as she experiences human interactions, M3GAN becomes a lethal toy that doesn’t care who or what gets in her way when it comes to protecting her ward.

While it is not expected that films such as M3GAN have a strong cast, it is worth noting that the strongest acting comes from Violet McGraw as the strong willed orphan, Cady. She is required to have a wide range of emotions that span from devastation to euphoric joy when she finally feels understood by her newest companion. It comes so effortlessly that there is no doubt that she will continue to have a successful career as she grows.

Some may say, the film is a rehash of the highly successful Child’s Play movies but made for a fresh audience, although, what M3GAN brings to the table is the fresh aspect of AI learning and a titanium body that doesn’t seem to have a weakness (not to mention possessing some killer dance moves). As the characters try to outwit the demonic robot, she quickly adapts to call their bluff, while dressed to the nines and giving no F’s about who she has to slay in the process. Building to a violent and yet satisfying climax that leaves the door open for the, already confirmed, sequel.

At times, M3GAN, can come across a tad preachy about how parents shouldn’t pawn their responsibilities of parenting off on a toy but the film does it’s best work when it gives the audience what they came to see when sentient toys get pissed off: thrills, chills, and carnage.

It is only a matter of time before Hollywood creates a Chucky vs M3GAN film and it will certainly be a joy to watch. Seeing as they are both diabolical toys that have no problem leaving a trail of bodies in their wake.