M3GAN 2.0 Review: The Killer Queen Loses Her Edge to Broader Appeal
Sometimes it feels like we can’t have anything. Do you recall the fervor triggered by the teaser for M3GAN back in the fall of 2022? The moment when the eerie doll danced into our lives, poised for a sassy slay-fest? Overnight, a fervent fandom bloomed—eager fans, comprised of women, teens, and the LGBTQ+ community, gravitated toward this instant horror icon. We eagerly awaited the chance to worship at her feet, clad in immaculate Mary Janes.
The original film captivated audiences and critics alike, diving into the darkly humorous expectations of the killer doll genre. Featuring vicious kills, unsettling tunes, and a queer subtext in the co-parenting relationship between Gemma (Allison Williams) and her creation, M3GAN, fans couldn’t contain their excitement when a sequel was announced. Visions of a Terminator 2-esque adventure danced in our heads, promising a deeper exploration into the horror-musical domain. Well, as it turns out, be careful what you wish for.
M3GAN 2.0: The Robo Showdown We Didn’t Ask For
M3GAN 2.0 delivers the robo-versus-robo showdown we yearned for, but in an unexpected twist, the filmmakers have seemingly lost their vision. Unlike its predecessor, this sequel feels like an attempt to cater to viewers who didn’t appreciate the villain’s allure the first time around. Instead of embracing her chaotic essence, M3GAN is transformed into a pseudo-superhero.
Is M3GAN 2.0 Even a Horror Movie?
From the moment we dive into this sequel, it becomes evident that the genre has taken a significant detour. Director Gerard Johnstone leads us headfirst into a conventional black ops mission. Here, a mysterious operative—Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno)—is assigned to capture the engineer behind a lethal chemical gas. However, she chooses instead to eliminate him and confidently taunt the remote observers.
Suddenly, we’re in familiar territory: an AI uprising. But M3GAN 2.0 doesn’t shy away from over-explaining this well-trodden concept. As Gemma and Cady (Violet McGraw) attempt to rebuild their lives after the chaos of the first film, they find themselves in dire circumstances, leading them to reawaken M3GAN in a bid for redemption. Yet, instead of the anticipated action-packed drama, the film devolves into a dull espionage thriller with tired clichés.
Action Over Horror: The Shift in Tone
Gone is the biting wit and distinct flair of M3GAN. The sequel feels like a frantic attempt to pull from an arsenal of influences—Terminator 2, Black Mirror, and even the works of Steven Seagal. Yet, it fails to deliver the edge that made the original so compelling.
With horror seemingly relegated to the sidelines, you might expect that a team with such horror roots would deliver spine-tingling frights. Still, scares turn out to be in short supply. M3GAN’s sharp quips are present, but gone is her formidable threat, traded in for mainstream appeal that diminishes her character.
A Descent Into Mediocrity
While Akela Cooper, the screenwriter of the first film, did not pen M3GAN 2.0, her absence is palpably felt. The shift from a daring horror narrative to a bland action flick is startling, with M3GAN adopting a superhero makeover—complete with a taller, sleeker body that looks more like a Bond girl than a formidable horror icon.
In hopes of captivating a broader male audience, the film loses the queer subtext and edgy humor that endeared her to fans. As Gemma’s character veers toward the mundane, the contrast blurs the lines of the original’s charm. M3GAN’s once striking aesthetic has grown tired, with her new adversary, Amelia, embodying a more familiar, hyper-sexualized trope.
When M3GAN Shines
Despite its many shortcomings, M3GAN is still the star of the show. The chemistry between Amie Donald (body) and Jenna Davis (voice) is notably electric, creating an undeniably captivating presence. It’s in moments that focus on M3GAN where the film manages to reclaim a fraction of its former glory. Whether it’s her eerie singing—awkwardly shoved into the narrative as fan service—or a bizarre yet amusing fight sequence, there are flashes of the chaos we adored.
Unfortunately, much of the movie distractingly veers away from her character, focusing instead on thrown-together side plots that add little to the overall experience.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
M3GAN 2.0 is a frustrating mishmash of ideas—a sequel that strays far from its horror roots to deliver a derivative action flick. Though it possesses rare moments of brilliance, the film’s overarching narrative feels more like a concession to mainstream audiences than a continuation of an intriguing horror saga.
Ultimately, our beloved killer queen deserves better.
M3GAN 2.0 opens in theaters June 27.
