Creepy or Comedy?: Horror science-fiction movie M3GAN adds a new twist to the genre of horror

As a person who enjoys a good joke and a lighthearted tone rather than horror or thrillers, I braced myself for the tension and gore that the new horror and science-fiction movie “M3GAN” was advertised to have. Since the last time I’d been to the theater was to see “Minions: the Rise of Gru,” I was eager for a different theater experience. 

“M3GAN” follows a young girl named Cady who goes to live with her Aunt Gemma after the death of her parents. Gemma works at a toy company and tests her new creation — a “friendly” toy robot named M3GAN — on Cady. Though the general plot of the movie was fairly generic — killer robot turns on its creator — “M3GAN” puts a new spin to the genre by adding comedy to relieve tension. 

Kai Mcphail | The Harbinger Online

Ironically, M3GAN’s snide comments and dance moves made me laugh more than Gru and his minions. The contrast between the creepy killing scenes and those where M3GAN breaks into song turned the movie from the science-fiction horror movie I was expecting to a science-fiction comedy. 

As someone that gets frightened easily and has never been to a haunted house out of fear, it was a nice change from horror movies such as “IT” or “Scream” where I’m feeling the tension and suspense throughout. The comedic relief was always unexpected and had me feeling confused or surprised rather than terrified. The jump scares were the scariest part of the movie.

However, I disliked the slow introduction to M3GAN herself and was tempted to leave after the first 30 minutes due to boredom. Though the lack of chemistry between the main characters at the beginning of the movie was purposeful, it discouraged me from wanting to watch more. 

Unlike the slow start, the ending was quite abrupt, and left me sitting there expecting more. The character development was unimpressive and predictable, with barely any side character screen time. 

On top of that, there were plenty of those iconic horror movie scenes where a character would put themselves in harm’s way due to a stupid mistake — my least favorite horror movie trope. 

I give “M3GAN” a mediocre ranking of 3.5/5 stars due to its predictability and slow start, though I do give the directors credit for their unique comedic twist to horror.

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Aanya Bansal

Aanya Bansal
Entering her final year on the Harbinger as Online Co-Editor-in-Chief and Co-Head Copy Editor, senior Aanya Bansal is excited to update the website and continue to write new stories and meet new people. When she’s not busy brainstorming story ideas and receiving Tate edits, you can find her singing along to Taylor Swift, practicing her volleys on the tennis court, volunteering as a SHARE chair or spending time with friends. Aanya is a devoted pickleball club member and is also involved in NHS and Link Crew. »

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