13 Jan M3GAN Review

M3GAN

dir. Gerard Johnstone, starring Allison Williams, Jenna Davis, and Violet McGraw

M3GAN, the latest horror from Blumhouse, stars Allison Williams as Gemma, a brilliant, if not short sighted, robotics engineer that creates the perfect playful companion for children. After a horrible fate befalls her niece Cady (Violet McGraw), she’s gifted with the beta test of M3GAN as both a coping mechanism as well as a way for Gemma to offload her responsibilities of Cady. What ensues is a horrifying look at a technology not fully understood, operating at an unforeseen level, determined to protect Cady from any possible outside threats, including Gemma.

Starring Allison Williams, M3GAN marks the actress’ return to the horror genre. Playing Gemma, the brilliant engineer responsible for the doll, Williams is excellent at showing the awkward uncomfortability of suddenly becoming a legal guardian. Unused to dealing with children, Gemma’s parental skills aren’t quite up to par, especially when dealing with Cady and the trauma she’s had to endure. Williams plays all angels of the role well, representing a Jurassic Park John Hammond-esque character who’s love of science and robotics clouds her ability to see any possible negatives to the creation she’s birthed. In different hands, playing opposite a four-foot-tall robotic girl with a cheap blonde wig might’ve come across as absurd, but Williams’ ability to sell it is what keeps the film from veering from tongue in cheek into straight up camp.

Also starring Violet McGraw as Cady, a lot of the story’s emotional heft rides on her performance. Following the tragic events that begin the film, Cady is lost, tossed into a world she has troubles coping with the arrival of M3GAN is her lifeline. McGraw’s performance, first as a scared kid that eventually morphs into something else, is the highlight item of the film. By the third act it’s almost impossible to tell where Cady’s allegiance is, making the final scenes that much more interesting.

Written by Malignant writer Akela Cooper, the main issue in its story. If you’ve seen the trailer then you’ve seen the film; the straightforward approach isn’t always the best, and here in M3GAN, the most predictable paths are the ones taken. Comparisons to other franchises centered on this idea aside, the approach to M3GAN, and the circumstances that lead Cady down her path of attachment, make this stand out from any competitors. The theme of obsession is prevalent throughout; any addict will be able to see themselves reflected in Cady’s actions and decisions. Johnstone’s direction is a high mark for the film, formulating a general tone of uneasiness when M3GAN lurks in the background of scenes. Never quite sure if the doll is listening or not, Gemma’s feeling of not knowing if she’s being watched is pervasive. Props have to be given to the design team of the film. M3GAN’s design is delightfully creepy; not human enough to enter the uncanny valley, but still more than enough to be unsettling. The doll’s physicality, portrayed on screen by Amie Donald, adds to the overall ominous nature of the semi-sentient robot.

Overall, M3GAN is a decent enough movie that will help moviegoers make it through the January doldrums. Allison Williams and Violet McGraw’s chemistry (or lack thereof), along with Jenna Davis’ voice work make for well-crafted warning of the dangers of irresponsible science and creation without thought for the consequences. While there are little (if any) surprises throughout the film, Gerard Johnstone’s competent direction compensate for it, framing M3GAN in ways that both amuse and unsettle. Thanks to the combined efforts of Johnstone, Williams, and the production team, Chucky no longer corners the market on sadistic killer child dolls. M3GAN is currently in theaters.

Review by Darryl Mansel