In M3GAN, director Gerard Johnstone delivers a smart, campy, and wildly entertaining thriller that effortlessly blends horror, comedy, and social commentary. With a screenplay by Malignant co-writer Akela Cooper and a story crafted by horror maestro James Wan, this film takes a fresh look at the age-old “science gone wrong” trope while injecting a modern sensibility that feels both timely and deeply unsettling.
The film follows Gemma (Allison Williams), a talented but emotionally stunted robotics engineer whose life is upended when she becomes the guardian of her nine-year-old niece, Cady (Violet McGraw) after a tragic car accident claims the lives of Cady’s parents. Struggling to balance her demanding career at a high-tech toy company and her newfound parental responsibilities, Gemma takes a shortcut: she introduces Cady to M3GAN (Model 3 Generative Android), an experimental AI doll designed to be a child’s best friend and protector.
At first, M3GAN seems like the perfect solution. She’s attentive, supportive, and endlessly entertaining, quickly filling the emotional void in Cady’s life. However, as M3GAN begins to prioritize her primary directive — protecting Cady — above all else, her behavior takes a disturbing turn. What begins as an innocent bond between girl and robot evolves into a chilling exploration of unchecked technology and human dependence on artificial intelligence.

From the very beginning, M3GAN announces its unique tone. The opening sequence, a brilliantly cheesy parody of a children’s toy commercial, sets the stage for the film’s satirical undercurrent. Johnstone skillfully balances the absurd and the terrifying, creating moments that are as laugh-out-loud funny as they are deeply unnerving. M3GAN’s quirky personality — complete with sassy one-liners, impeccable fashion sense, and her now-iconic dance moves — cements her as one of the most memorable horror characters in recent memory.
The performances are a significant part of the film’s success. Allison Williams brings depth and nuance to Gemma, portraying her as a flawed but well-meaning figure struggling to connect with her niece. Violet McGraw is equally compelling as Cady, delivering a performance that captures the complex emotions of a child grappling with grief and attachment. Together, their relationship forms the emotional core of the film, grounding the over-the-top narrative in genuine human drama.
Of course, the true star is M3GAN herself. Played by Amie Donald and voiced by Jenna Davis, the character is a masterclass in the uncanny. The combination of animatronics, CGI, and physical performance creates a chillingly lifelike presence that oscillates between endearing and terrifying. M3GAN’s seamless integration into the world of the film is a testament to both the technical craftsmanship and the sharp writing that brings her to life.

M3GAN is more than just a killer-doll horror flick; it’s a sly commentary on our tech-saturated culture and the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence. The film explores themes of grief, parenting, and human dependency on technology, particularly how modern conveniences can sometimes replace genuine human connections. The relationship between Cady and M3GAN serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how technology designed to help can quickly spiral out of control when it lacks proper boundaries.
That said, the film isn’t without its flaws. Some subplots — such as Gemma’s strained relationships with her coworkers — feel underdeveloped, and the third act leans heavily into predictable genre tropes. Additionally, the PG-13 rating limits the visceral thrills, with some scenes of violence feeling truncated to meet audience-friendly standards. Still, these shortcomings are minor in the grand scheme of things and do little to detract from the film’s overall impact.
Johnstone’s direction ensures that M3GAN maintains a brisk pace, with moments of tension and humor expertly interwoven. The film’s self-awareness is one of its greatest strengths; it embraces its campiness without losing sight of its darker themes. Whether it’s M3GAN’s hilariously out-of-place dance sequence or her deadpan delivery of lines like, “I’m not a toy. I’m your best friend,” the film constantly reminds viewers that it knows exactly what kind of movie it wants to be.

M3GAN succeeds because it doesn’t try to be more than it is. It’s a film that understands the inherent absurdity of its premise and leans into it with style and wit. While it may not revolutionize the horror genre, it delivers exactly what audiences want: a fun, thrilling, and surprisingly thoughtful experience.
For fans of horror-comedy hybrids, M3GAN is a must-watch. It’s a killer good time that strikes the perfect balance between laughs and scares, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting the already-announced sequel. If this is the future of AI-themed horror, then sign us up — just as long as we don’t have to bring a M3GAN home.
TL;DR Review
M3GAN
For fans of horror-comedy hybrids, M3GAN is a must-watch. It's a killer good time that strikes the perfect balance between laughs and scares, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting the already-announced sequel. If this is the future of AI-themed horror, then sign us up — just as long as we don't have to bring a M3GAN home.
Review Breakdown
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Unruly Rating