Review: ‘M3GAN’ Modern Take on Timeless Horror Trope

.I’ve had a lifelong fear of dolls, mannequins, dummies, etc. I guess it started with Chucky and Talky Tina. And the weird porcelain doll that still resides on my mom’s dresser. Nowadays, it’s all about Annabelle. It’s a love/hate thing. I love to be scared and hate that they do the trick. So when I saw the trailer for “M3GAN” I was immediately intrigued.

James Wan and Jason Blum produced the film. Wan and Blum have written, produced, and directed a host of horror films in the modern era. “The Conjuring,” “Insidious,” “Paranormal Activity,” “Halloween,” “Us,” just to name a few. Simply put, these guys know how to deliver scares.

Allison Williams plays Gemma, a roboticist working for a toy company. Gemma becomes the guardian for her niece, Cady (Violet McGraw) and introduces her latest creation; the Model 3 Generative Android – nicknamed M3GAN.

Allison Williams does a passable job in the role of Gemma. We can quickly decipher that Gemma is talented. And has chosen her career over all other parts of life (including family). She has an immense responsibility suddenly thrust upon her, and Williams offers us a believable portrayal of the character. And I recognized Violet McGraw from the excellent series “The Haunting of Hill House” and she performs quite well for a young talent. Her emotions are on display from the start of the film, and McGraw delivers.

M3GAN Misses the Horror Mark

What keeps “M3GAN” in the doldrums of average is how tame it is. Considering the genre is horror, and the producers are stalwarts. And the plot revolves around a robo-doll with a life of its own, I expected so much more. The project was toned down from its initial concept to be more appealing to a younger audience. Its PG-13 rating is apt. I can’t envision a child of any age being scared. Even a ten-year-old version of me.

Because of the change in tone, there are noticeable editing gaffs. There are several scenes that are referenced that we never got to witness. And kills that were completely watered down to nothing. It has modern music and tech elements. And several laugh-out-loud moments. The theater I was in erupted several times (including myself) which is fine but far from the screams that bounced around the auditorium during “The Conjuring.”

There are some creepy elements for sure. M3GAN herself (acted by Amie Donald and voiced by Jenna Davis) crosses the uncanny valley. That’s actually what made me want to watch. Her movements and subtly expressions are chilling. Like most doll-type films, the horror rests in the subtly of the toy. Most of the time, M3GAN is about as subtle as a bulldozer.

A January Film

Asshole characters are introduced for the sole purpose of being M3GAN’s prey. I did enjoy the messaging about the dangers of technology, and the subliminal comparison of M3GAN to modern phone obsession.

“M3GAN” is fine. It’s my 650^th review and comes just in time for Friday the 13^th. I shake my head and think what could have been. Real life robots are scary and should make for good horror as the tech age pushes forward. This film isn’t good horror, though there will be sequels.

“M3GAN” is currently in theaters.