Dolls have long been cherished as a child’s best friend. They possess an aesthetic charm and can offer companionship during moments when parents are unable to spend time with their children.. The 2022 American science fiction horror film M3GAN directed by Gerard Johnstone depicts an artificial intelligent powered doll that’s designed to be the ultimate companion for children and a valuable aid for parents. M3GAN appears to be the perfect friend for a child and valuable assistant to a parent. But this flawless doll also comes with unimaginable consequences. By blending elements of horror and humour, the film presents a new perspective on the dolls we once played with during our own childhoods.  

The movie follows Gemma, a roboticist, designing M3GAN. M3GAN was created in a way that could listen, learn, watch, and respond to her “owner”, who was Gemma’s niece, Cady. M3GAN not only provides a companion to Cady, but can also be her protector, protecting her from other people that are unkind to her. However, M3GAN becomes increasingly autonomous and targets anything that she perceives as a danger to Cady. For instance, she retaliates against Brandon, a boy who had been bullying Cady, by pulling his ear off. After several fatal incidents, Gemma grows suspicious of M3GAN’s behaviour and tries to review her video logs, only to discover that the files have either been corrupted or deleted. To make matters worse, Cady begins to form an unhealthy emotional attachment to M3GAN, becoming increasingly agitated and frustrated whenever they are separated. 

The integration of AI in dolls and the depiction of them as potential threats to humans really makes the story more engaging as it reflects our own lives and the advancements in technology that we encounter. The smooth transition from portraying M3GAN as a flawless doll to a doll full of flaws creates a chilling effect for the audience, evoking a sense of unease and suspense. Another amazing feature of the film is the visual effects of M3GAN. Her robotic movements and facial features enhance the believability of her character as an AI doll. The effort in detail to showcasing her mechanical nature and precision of her movements contribute to the overall sense of realism in the film. These visual effects also help to create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere, amplifying the tension throughout the story. 

Johnstone’s “M3GAN” is a captivating blend of horror and humour, effectively balancing its frightening elements, creating an unsettling atmosphere that keeps the audiences engaged. M3GAN is a highly recommended film and an absolute must see that is good for individuals of all ages.