In 2014, Australian filmmaker James Wan founded the production company Atomic Monster Productions, which specializes in budget films. While brainstorming some ideas, Wan devised one involving a killer doll that satirized people’s dependence on technology. Wan would produce alongside Jason Blum of Blumhouse Pictures and share a writing credit with Akela Cooper. For the director, Wan chose relative newcomer Gerard Johnstone, whose 2014 film Housebound won several festival awards. With a $12 million budget, principal photography started in 2021 around Los Angeles and New Zealand. Morot FX Studio created numerous radio-controlled animatronic puppets, while child actress Amie Donald performed the more physically demanding roles. While filming wrapped in August, the studio decided to do reshoots so the film would get a PG-13 rating. Boosted by a viral clip on TikTok, M3GAN opened on January 6 to tons of hype.
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Synopsis
Gemma (Allison Williams) adopts her niece Cady (Violet McGraw) after her parents die in a car crash. She works for a toy company and is developing an advanced humanoid robot with AI to be the ultimate companion. Unfortunately, they have a strained relationship as Gemma spends more time on her work than with Cady. Gemma pairs the robot, M3GAN (Model 3 Generative Android), with Cady, now with her boss David (Ronny Chieng) on board. Initially, things seem to be going well as Cady is happier than ever, but things soon go awry. Soon, M3GAN becomes self-aware and starts attacking anyone she deems a threat to Cady, including a dog and a bully. Knowing the truth, Gemma and her coworkers Tess (Jen Van Epps) and Cole (Brian Jordan Alvarez) try shutting her down. Unfortunately, M3GAN breaks free and goes on a rampage, determined to be Cady’s only companion.
Review
Going into M3GAN, the film has several strikes against it: a January release and a re-edit to be PG-13. Despite these setbacks, the movie is way better than one would expect, but that doesn’t mean it’s flawless. While the film has some kills and moments of genuine horror, most are shown in the trailer. The movie we get is more of a drama about a woman trying to be her niece’s surrogate mother. Those expecting an all-out gorefest featuring a creepy puppet killing people will be disappointed. Still, the kills we get are more graphic than you’d expect from a PG-13 horror film. The doll looks incredible, combining impressive animatronics and Amie Donald’s almost perfect movements to make something natural yet artificial. It’s no surprise considering the effects artists recently got an Oscar nomination for their work on The Whale. Hopefully, an extended cut can improve the lack of bloodshed.
Allison Williams is instantly likable as the well-meaning Gemma who wants to succeed while caring for Cady. You can tell she’s overwhelmed by this new responsibility, and she goes through a great character arc. Violet McGraw is also impressive as the emotionally distraught Cady, trying to make sense of the horrible things she’s experienced. Jen Van Epps and Brian Jordan Alvarez aren’t given much to do, but they each have moments to shine. Ronny Chieng can come off as a stereotypical CEO solely motivated by money, but that feels intentional, given the tone. Considering this is his second feature, Gerard Johnstone does an excellent directing job, and I’m curious about his future works. At slightly over 90 minutes, some parts do drag, but they’re never enough to pull you out of the movie. Overall, M3GAN may not be groundbreaking, but it’s still an engaging, flawed sci-fi horror film.
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