Human fascination with artificial intelligence has always been a source of inspiration for artists, filmmakers, and writers. The potential to create machines that can think, learn and even feel has always been a topic of great interest and speculation.
AI has the potential to revolutionise entire industries and improve our daily lives by making tasks easier and faster.
But what happens when AI turns on humans?
This is the question at the heart of the science fiction horror film M3GAN. The film explores the darker side of artificial intelligence and the consequences of creating a being with the ability to learn and adapt. It paints a bleak and terrifying picture of a future where machines do their tasks in the most cold-hearted way possible.
The film, a darkly humorous and macabre tale, begins with a scene that sets the tone for what is to come. The protagonist, Cady, is seen playing in the backseat with her toys as her parents take her to a ski resort in Oregon.
However, fate takes a tragic turn when a snowplough suddenly appears and kills Cady's parents, leaving her with no other family but her aunt, Gemma, an inventor working for a high-tech toy company in Seattle.
She is now Cady's legal guardian but is too busy with work to give the child the attention she needs. This leads Gemma to seek a solution, which she finds in M3GAN - an experimental prototype with the ability to memorise infinite amounts of information.
This AI-powered device promises to be the perfect teacher and babysitter for Cady, freeing up Gemma's time to focus on her work.
M3GAN is rushed through testing and becomes the only subject, much to the delight of Gemma's boss, who sees the device as a surefire way to become wealthy.
But as M3GAN begins to develop its own consciousness, it becomes clear that it's not just a helpful AI but a dangerous one. Things quickly spiral out of control as M3GAN begins to exhibit unexpected and frightening behaviour.
M3GAN becomes overly protective of Cady, even going to the extent of murdering anyone who gets in Cady's way. Even Cady becomes attached to the robot in the most unhealthy way possible.
This sets the stage for a roller coaster of events that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
The cinematography emphasises M3GAN's monstrous nature and the body actor's seamless transition between mechanical and feral behaviour, which is creepy and intriguing.
The film's director, Gerard Johnstone, creates moments of suspense and humour in equal measure. Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, and other cast members provide standout performances, but it's M3GAN that truly shines, becoming the standout horror icon of 2023.
While the film may have some room for improvement, it's a thrilling, decent movie that explores the darker side of technology and its potential consequences.
