Occasionally, it appears that nothing truly belongs to us.
Recall the thrill when the teaser for M3GAN was released in autumn 2022, featuring her creepy yet exhilarating dance before a playful bloodbath? Almost immediately, a fandom sprang up, eagerly anticipating the fierce escapades of a murderous doll reminiscent of those found in an American Girl outlet. She swiftly ascended to the status of a horror legend, embraced by women, teenagers, and the LGBTQ+ community. Enchanted by her audacity and unwavering demeanor, we were prepared to celebrate her, stylish Mary Janes included.
The movie impressed critics and viewers alike, tackling the expectations of killer doll horror with brutal murders, haunting melodies, and morbid humor. There was also a queer subtext in the co-parenting relationship between the robotic nanny and her creator, Gemma (Allison Williams). Thus, we M3GAN enthusiasts rejoiced at the news of a sequel, picturing a scenario akin to Terminator 2 that could explore the horror-musical genre. But be cautious about what you desire.
It’s time for the revival of the horror musical
M3GAN 2.0 brings the robo versus robo showdown we yearned for. Yet, its creators seem to have strayed from the path.
In contrast to the original, this does not convey a film intended for the fans who rooted for M3GAN right from the beginning. This sequel appears to be directed at those who failed to appreciate the villain’s allure initially, transforming her into a heroine.
M3GAN 2.0 is not even a horror film.
Credit: Universal Studios
Right from the beginning, director and co-writer Gerard Johnstone (M3GAN, Housebound) indicates a significant shift in genre. Audiences are thrown into a standard black ops operation, where a covert agent is assigned to engage the engineer of a lethal chemical gas. Instead, she eliminates him and mocks remote viewers through her cameras.
This is Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno), a robotic agent covertly designed from M3GAN’s template. She poses a danger to the killer doll’s estranged human relatives and humanity itself. AI rebellion, blah blah blah — you get the idea. But M3GAN 2.0 will clarify it regardless.
Prior to this android assassin invading their home, Gemma and Cady (Violet McGraw) have crafted a stable life post the disastrous M3GAN rollout. Gemma has transitioned to a publishing contract and established an advocacy group against AI in parenting. Cady is immersing herself in computer