M3GAN 2.0 Film Review

The original M3GAN stood out for its unique blend of creepy horror and dark humour — a refreshing take that set it apart from the usual killer-doll fare. Unfortunately, M3GAN 2.0 takes a completely different route, abandoning the horror elements altogether in favour of a straightforward action-comedy vibe. While it’s bold to switch things up in a sequel, this drastic shift feels like a missed opportunity, stripping away what made the first film special.

 

In fact, it’s rare to see a sequel switch genres so completely. Viewers heading into M3GAN 2.0 expecting more of the unsettling thrills and twisted charm of the first film might be caught off guard. It’s best to reset those expectations — this isn’t the same M3GAN you met in 2023.

 

Visually, M3GAN’s look this time around is much more colourful, with strong cyberpunk vibes. She’s less of a menacing AI gone rogue and more of a Terminator-style hero, rescuing humans rather than terrorising them. The shift toward stylised sci-fi action gives the film a flashier feel but moves it further away from its horror roots.

 

Plot-wise, things are fairly predictable. From the moment we meet Gemma’s new love interest, it’s painfully obvious he’s the eventual villain. The film tries to build suspense around this reveal, but the result feels tired and cliched. While the story does attempt to explore the darker implications of AI advancement, these themes are introduced and then left hanging, making the ending feel a bit rushed and underwhelming.

 

Another issue is the film’s unclear identity. It never fully settles into a consistent tone, and that lack of focus — combined with its summer release sandwiched between F1® The Movie and Jurassic World: Rebirth — likely contributed to its underwhelming box office performance.

 

That said, there are still highlights. Ivanna Sakhno, who plays Amelia, delivers a standout performance that steals many scenes. Her screen presence and emotional depth bring a spark of life to the film, even when the story lags.