NOW IN THEATERS! M3GAN 2.0 picks up where the viral sensation left off, and then mostly runs in circles. While the sequel promises bigger kills, smarter tech, and more unhinged robo-chaos, it largely feels like a second swipe at the same joke, stretched thinner and slicker, but not necessarily smarter.
This time, our favourite titanium blonde AI companion is back from the dead, upgraded and glitchier than ever. Her original mission, protect at all costs, has now evolved into something far more erratic, though the film doesn’t do much to explore that evolution beyond surface-level spectacle. Yes, there’s blood. Yes, there’s a dance. And yes, she sings again. But beyond the viral-ready moments, M3GAN 2.0 struggles to justify its own existence.
Director Gerard Johnstone returns and keeps the tone campy and self-aware, but the novelty that made the original a meme machine feels worn out here. The first M3GAN walked a tightrope between horror satire and tech-thriller, while this one just kind of struts across the rope in platform boots, hoping the attitude alone will carry it. It mostly doesn’t.
That’s not to say the film is without fun. Amie Donald’s physical performance as M3GAN is still eerie and captivating, and Jenna Davis’ voice work keeps the character entertainingly smug. M3GAN is a solid modern villain, marketable, memeable, and just uncanny enough to stick in your head. But this sequel relies too heavily on her gimmick, offering little in terms of character development or thematic depth.
Allison Williams reprises her role as Gemma, stepping back into the chaos of her AI creation in M3GAN 2.0.
“…back from the dead, upgraded and glitchier than ever…”
Allison Williams returns as Gemma, once again caught in the mess her tech genius created. Her screen time is scaled back, and while she’s still a grounding presence, her emotional arc feels more like an obligation than a priority. There are some new supporting characters, mostly there to be threatened or deliver exposition, but none leave much of a mark.
Where M3GAN 2.0 had the opportunity to grow, to lean into the ethical horror of AI, or really amp up the body count in creative ways, it instead opts for safety. The PG-13-ish vibe returns, even if the kills are slightly more graphic this time around. But everything still feels sanitized, like horror run through a brand filter. The sequel flirts with escalation but never commits.
The script by Akela Cooper throws out some interesting ideas, AI autonomy, digital afterlife, corporate cover-ups, but breezes past them in favour of glossy set pieces and smirking one-liners. It feels like the writers know what they could do with the story, but chose instead to keep things light, digestible, and ready for a potential third entry.
Visually, it’s all clean tech aesthetics and sterile spaces, which work well enough but also add to the sense of detachment. There’s no grit here, no real tension, just vibes. It’s horror for the TikTok generation: quick, stylish, and mostly surface-level.
Ultimately, M3GAN 2.0 is watchable, even occasionally fun, but doesn’t offer much beyond what the first film already did better. If you loved the original, you’ll likely enjoy the return of your murder-doll bestie. But if you found the first film underwhelming, this sequel probably won’t change your mind.
"…An updated M3GAN, but the software still needs work."
