‘M3GAN’: A Cautionary Tale About Human-Technology Relationships
Zofia Wijaszka
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This article contains spoilers to M3GAN
M3GAN begins in an unusual manner, with a toy commercial. Since the dawn of time, 40-something-second tv spots have dominated television. After all, who doesn’t recall the legendary Kazzoo Kid? The opening of M3GAN is an innovative idea; the creators begin the film with the commercial for the toy that Gemma (Allison Williams) created and it immediately draws the viewer’s attention to one aspect—the role of technology in our lives, particularly in the lives of children. Technology and people’s obsession with it have been discussed numerous times in film and television. Even M3GAN takes a shot at it, provoking a post-viewing reflection for us to ponder. Among the camp, fear, and action is a lesson, a cautionary tale about the role of technology in our lives.
From the start of the film, we see two opposing viewpoints. We observe Cady’s parents, who don’t shy away from making a snide remark about the girl’s new gift from Aunt Gemma—an interactive, furry toy from the “PurrPetual Petz” series, Gemma’s invention. Even though the scene is brief, it’s unmistakable that the scientist’s sister harbors some resentment. Following a tragic car accident in which the girl loses her parents, Cady comes to live with Gemma. That’s when the audience witnesses another side, Gemma’s point of view. Technology is treated with respect and as a tool that can help raise but also nurture children. Enter M3GAN—short for Model 3 Generative Android, the ingenious doll assembled from metal, cables, and silicone that has the ability to continually learn about the child paired with her.
McGraw’s Cady becomes obsessed with M3GAN, spending virtually every waking moment with the doll. At first, it seems like a marvel of technology, a necessary aid for parents that reminds kids to put a glass on the coaster, brush their teeth, or clean when needed. The android undoubtedly has the potential to become an indispensable resource for parents. However, the fixation on M3GAN extends not only to Cady but also to the doll’s creator as well. From the film’s beginning, Gemma believes that she’s creating something that will significantly benefit parents and children in the long run, especially in their daily routines. Her strong belief is only party shared with the co-creators of M3GAN and Gemma’s co-workers. One of them shares their feelings on the matter, saying: “I thought we were creating a tool to support parents, not replace them.”
Williams’ character exemplifies the perspective of someone who sincerely wants to help their niece cope with the loss of her parents in the only way they can; through the lens of their work. Gemma genuinely believes that giving Cady an android is helping her cope with the loss. Instead of paying attention to her niece and attempting to connect with her, Gemma trusts, perhaps subconsciously, that her invention is the solution to all problems. While Caddy’s sudden troubling behavior raises concerns, Gemma dismisses all red flags at first, preparing for the mass production of M3GAN.
During one of many follow-up psych appointments, a psychologist questions Gemma about her creation, wondering how it will affect a child’s relationship with their parents, whose role as nurturers can now be so easily replaced by M3GAN and her ever-developing system. This is the first time the protagonist considers the negative role of technology in the lives of children and how it may influence them. But it’s too late to stop the nefarious doll. Gemma’s world comes crashing down, as everything she had wholeheartedly believed vanishes.
M3GAN’s third act is one of the best-crafted cautionary tales in horror film history. Not only does the film have Cady taking on an active role in obliterating the doll, but Gemma ultimately realizes her errors in attempting to replace Cady’s loving parents with something artificial rather than working on the bond with a girl herself. Even though the ending and moral of this horror story have been previously discussed in film and cinema, it’s still as relevant as ever. The film’s conclusion confirms what we already know: nothing beats spending time with someone you love and admire. And not even a nurturing doll, an artificial intelligence marvel, can get in the way of that.
M3GAN is available now on VOD and comes to Peacock this Friday, February 24, 2023.
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