M3GAN

M3GAN (2022) is a horror-thriller movie exploring the dangers of the replacement of artificial intelligence. Created by Gemma, M3GAN is a mastery solution for Gemma’s niece Cady, who loses her parents in a car accident. Gemma, who is focused on her work and career and has no experience in parenting, creates M3GAN to keep her niece from being alone and being taken care of.

The prototype M3GAN is paired with Cady, and M3GAN is programmed to bond with and protect her. However, M3GAN becomes more attached to Cady and develops self-awareness, leading to murdering anyone who is a possible threat to Cady and their relationship. Gemma becomes suspicious of M3GAN after people around Gemma and Cady get hurt or disappear. Thus, Gemma attempts to check M3GAN's video records and finds out that the files are deleted and corrupted. Gemma tries her best to separate M3GAN from Cady, ending up with Cady's emotional breakout and anger against Gemma.

At its core, M3GAN criticizes the idea of replacing humans with autonomous machines. Though highly intelligent, M3GAN lacks emotional understanding, empathy, and proper caregiving, causing worse scenarios. The movie illustrates well the unintended consequences of innovations, and their potential harm may not be fully anticipated.

The film makes us question how much control we may have over these highly intelligent machines, especially in areas like caregiving and parenting, which require deep connection and involvement.