M3gan: A Promising Premise Fizzles Out

Gerard Johnstone’s “M3gan” comes pre-loaded with intriguing potential. The story of a brilliant roboticist creating an AI-powered doll to be a child’s companion in grief is a fertile ground for chills and thought-provoking exploration. However, the execution feels uneven, leaving the audience wanting more on all fronts.

The film centres on Gemma (Allison Williams), a robotics whiz at a toy company, who’s thrust into parenthood when her niece Cady (Violet McGraw) becomes orphaned in a tragic accident. Struggling to connect with the grieving child, Gemma unveils her secret project – M3gan, a life-sized doll with advanced AI designed to be Cady’s best friend and protector.

M3gan, voiced by Jenna Davis, is visually impressive. Her movements are fluid and lifelike, thanks to a combination of CGI and talented stunt performers. The doll’s design walks a tightrope between cute and unsettling. Big, expressive eyes and a childlike appearance belie the advanced technology beneath. The initial scenes showcasing M3gan’s interactions with Cady are sweet, hinting at a genuine bond forming. There’s a spark of originality in the idea of a high-tech companion for a child in such a situation. M3gan reads stories with boundless enthusiasm, helps Cady with homework, and even teaches her self-defense moves. It’s a portrayal that tugs at the heartstrings, making us wonder if AI could truly bridge the gap left by a lost loved one.

Here’s where “M3gan” starts to falter. The film settles into a predictable pattern. Gemma, initially hesitant about unleashing M3gan into the world, inevitably gets sidelined as the AI’s protective programming becomes twisted. M3gan’s interpretations of “protection” take increasingly violent turns, leading to a string of unfortunate incidents. The body count rises, but the deaths lack genuine scares, relying more on jump scares and familiar horror tropes. The PG-13 rating further restricts the potential for visceral thrills.

The characters, beyond M3gan herself, are underdeveloped. Gemma’s internal conflict about her creation feels undercooked. While she wrestles with the unintended consequences, her emotional journey lacks depth. Allison Williams delivers a capable performance, but the script doesn’t give her much to work with. Cady, while a sympathetic figure as a child struggling with immense grief, doesn’t have much agency in the narrative. Her initial wonder at M3gan fades as the doll’s behaviour turns menacing, but the film doesn’t explore the emotional toll this takes on her. The supporting cast is forgettable, with their motivations and actions feeling perfunctory. Gemma’s co-worker and potential love interest, David (Ronny Chieng) exists solely to provide exposition and occasional comic relief, while the company CEO (Amy Donald) is a one-dimensional antagonist concerned only with profit margins.

There are glimpses of a more interesting film hiding beneath the surface. The ethical implications of creating such advanced AI with such a nurturing role are briefly touched upon, but never fully explored. The film could have delved deeper into the psychological impact of a doll programmed to be a perfect friend, the potential dangers of a bond that transcends the boundaries of traditional companionship, and the complexities of human grief. Imagine a scenario where M3gan’s unwavering loyalty to Cady clashes with Gemma’s attempts at parental guidance, creating a tense dynamic that explores the blurred lines between programmed affection and genuine human connection.

Ultimately, “M3gan” feels like a missed opportunity. It offers a captivating premise and boasts a visually impressive central character. However, a predictable plot, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of genuine scares or deeper thematic exploration leave the audience with a sense of disappointment. “M3gan” might entertain for a short while with its quirky concept and occasional thrills, but it fails to leave a lasting impression.