When I heard about Meghan 2.0, I decided to keep an open mind about the sequel and I’m glad I did. In this second film about the AI robot, Meghan 2.0 flips the narrative and changes everything we thought we knew. I found myself liking this film better than the original which is a rarity in a sequel. Not only does it delve into AI and technology more deeply but it brings up questions about the use of technology in our busy society. 

M3gan 2.0 is a science fiction action film that is the sequel to the 2022 film M3gan, written and directed by Gerard Johnstone. In the movie, the U.S military has recreated M3gan as a weapon for infiltration. During an operation led by Lt. Colonel Tim Sattler (Timm Sharp), the android Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno), reveals that she is self-aware and escapes from his control. Two years after M3gan went rogue, Gemma (Allison Williams) still cares for her niece Cady (Violet McGraw) who, behind her aunt’s back, is studying computer science. Gemma has become an author and an advocate for AI regulation in partnership with cybersecurity expert Christian Bradley (Aristotle Athari). Gemma has also turned down an offer from Alton Appleton (Jemaine Clement) to work for him. So when Sattler reveals the creation of Amelia, she is stunned when M3gan reveals she survived using the smart house. M3gan (Jenna Davis) has deduced Amelia’s plans and convinces Gemma and Cady to join forces with her to stop Amelia but Gemma doesn’t trust M3gan. Her team, Tess (Jen Van Epps) and Cole (Brian Jordan Alvarez), along with Cady, convince her to give M3gan a chance but will they be able to stop Amelia and will Gemma be right about M3gan?

Part of what makes the story so compelling is the way the plot delves into the use of technology and the morality behind using AI. The story is very much about trust. Can we trust AI when we can’t even trust other humans to have empathy and caring for their fellow humans?  How can AI be used responsibly?  The questions and complexity the film raises are part of what makes it so unique. It has stretched far beyond the original horror that the first M3gan was into a true science fiction film raising interesting questions that the audience must answer for themselves. There are also some great robot references throughout the movie that add to the fun. 

The other aspect of the story that is intriguing is the redemptive arch, not just for M3gan but also for Gemma. Gemma, as a creator, created an AI that went rogue and hurt others. Yet, she flounders in taking responsibility for her creation. Her anger at herself makes her blame M3gan but M3gan points out that she was still a child, still learning how to be alive. M3gan also makes a great appeal that because she is self aware, she is alive. Maybe not in the same way as a biological construct but she learns and grows, just like Gemma does. And the growth of Gemma and M3gan throughout this movie is part of what makes it such an incredible story. 

I love the performances, especially the dynamic between Violet McGraw as Cady and Allison Williams as Gemma, the actresses building on the relationship from the first movie but adding in teenage rebellion. I also like that you see Cady as intelligent and empathetic in different ways than her aunt, forcing Gemma to change her point of view. Even better is the performance by Jenna Davis and Amie Donald who is the body of M3gan. Between them, they infuse M3gan with an amazing performance full of sarcastic humor and true insights. Her character shines as she turns into the hero of the film. The performances by the rest of the cast is excellent as well but it is the interactions between Violet McGraw, Jenna Davis and Allison Williams that resonate the most.

While I loved the movie, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the flaws. The story is predictable, especially in the true villain of the story. It is also clear from the start that M3gan is set up to be the hero of the movie so the ending is less of a surprise. That predictability does not detract from the complexity of the questions raised about technology or the redemption of both M3gan and Gemma. This was an interesting change in a sequel and by moving away from horror, the second film is far more accessible to the general public.

If you like the original, expect much of what you loved about the first movie, action and an AI robot with some serious moves. M3gan is sarcastic, insightful and hilarious as a character. Adding to the humor content is the character of Cole. The complexity of technology is treated with respect and the movie is fantastic at going into depth into the morality of AI and technology. The performances of Allison Williams, Violet McGraw and Jenna Davis are amazing and the rest of the cast is equally skilled. M3gan 2.0 flips the narrative in all the best ways.

Rating: 4 out of 5 paperclips. 

The film is now showing in theaters

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