After a tragic accident leaves Cady (Violet McGraw)an orphan, heraunt Gemma (Allison Williams) takes her niece under her wing. With heaps of inexperience, and a busy schedule Gemma creates a state-of-the-art A.I. doll named M3GAN to keep Cady company. However, it is not long until M3GAN’s intelligence enters a deadly path.
It has only been a mere week since Gerard Johnstone’s M3GAN was theatrically released, but the horror powerhouse that is Blumhouse Productions has announced that this doll-gone-wrong movie will be followed by a sequel titled M3GAN 2.0. So, the question is, how good must M3GAN have been to have garnered its budget tenfold, as well as received viral success? Well, whilst the film certainly has its perks, there are a few restraints…
Murderous dolls are no stranger to the market, with nearly every movie fan being well acquainted with the likes of Chucky and Tiffany and the cursed puppets from the Puppet Master franchise. What makes all of these killer figurine films beloved is the niche territory of off-kilter humour, leaning on the irreverent side of comedy, along with a dose of gruesome kills and bloody antics. Not that cinema has to be soaked in viscera to be worthy of acclaim, but the brazen disposition that comes with doll horror owes itself to explore bold gore and gnarly visuals. Herein lies some of M3GAN’s contention.
A PG-13 rating band does not often hurt a film, yet the tonal distance from ‘what could have been’ in M3GAN’s story calls back to the multiple cuts that were made in post-production. Upon the trailer showing M3GAN dancing as if she was partaking in the latest social media craze, the marketing swiftly aimed the upcoming film to be a teen-based, viral-driven horror; subsequently meaning that many scenes were carefully cut and twisted to provide a more rose-tinted outcome. Even the film’s co-writer, Akela Cooper, spoke on the unrated cut, commenting on the cut scenes showing M3GAN at her most savage. Quite interestingly, there are a few strains of wickedness that slip in amidst the diluted graphics, particularly in one scene involving a nasty, queasy ear pull…With all of its success, perhaps one day the director’s cut will make an appearance.
Interestingly enough, what does result from the lack of brutality is a keen focus on the film’s humour. M3GAN exudes the most sass anyone has ever seen from a killer doll. Whether it’s the hair flips, impromptu singing sessions, or the sarky one-liners, M3GAN is one of the most iconic deadly toys. It’s these spurts of rambunctious ludicrousness that keep the lack of depth from bordering on dull. The film takes on a campy persona that introduces self-referential, cruel humour that seemingly understands the exaggerative tone of the film. Considering that many of the big horror releases over the years have teetered on the sardonic side (e.g. Freaky, Studio 666, Willy’s Wonderland, and Little Monsters), could 2023 be the year for studios to break away from the seriousness seen within the likes of A24 horror to live on the wild side again?
Despite the general humdrum in the film, what does a fantastic job of keeping the spirit alive is the design of M3GAN. Her appearance is both incredibly realistic, with her glassy eyes somewhat holding more personality than any other character. However, working simultaneously against this is the eerie ice-cold stares, robotic movements, and creepy silicone skin that the A.I. bot beholds. This is greatly highlighted in the shadow-ridden, nighttime scenes, showing M3GAN in all her harrowing lifelikeness.
M3GAN thrives in a subtle meta boundary where the viewer and screen almost negotiate a contract that vows for M3GAN to be an entertaining watch, but not necessarily anything more than that. And what seeps in via this is all the components for a bountiful amount of sequels, prequels, and possibly a spin-off tv show; which I’m sure will soon follow in M3GAN 2.0’s wake.
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Dead Northern takes a look at the big horror film anniversaries of 2023, which films will be on on your re-watch list?
1- Night of the Living Dead (Directed by George A. Romero, 1968) – 55th Anniversary
It can easily be said that without Romero’s Night of the Living Dead, the well-exercised zombie era would not be the same as it is today. This socially conscious story ignited a spark for the genre that would inspire many influential future filmmakers, including Edgar Wright and James Gunn. Romero’s classic will be celebrating its 55th birthday this year. Despite the time that had passed, this zombie extravaganza very much lives on to this day, with the film offering key paraphernalia that is paramount in any modern zombie feature.
2- The Wicker Man (Directed by Robin Hardy, 1973) – 50th Anniversary
The Wicker Man belongs to the Unholy Trinity of folk horror, along with Witchfinder General (1968) and The Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971) depicting rural picturesque scenes amongst utterly sinister crowds. The Wicker Man has captivated audiences for 50 years now. Not that this figure is easily believed considering how timeless Hardy’s countryside horror is. Perhaps it’s the performances by Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, and Britt Ekland that make The Wicker Man the iconic film that it is. Or maybe it’s the endless displays of brooding tensions that culminate in an unforgettable finale that keep the film’s acclaimed flame lit. Either way, The Wicker Man is far from being forgotten, and it’s highly doubtful that it ever will be.
3- The Exorcist (Directed by William Friedkin, 1973) – 50th Anniversary
The Exorcist is one of the most colloquially known horror films across the globe and one of the few frightening features that garnered admiration from the Academy Awards. Friedkin’s tale of possession, demons and a genre-defining depiction of evils have granted The Exorcist a beloved place within cinema. However, this firm favourite was not without its controversy. During its initial release, there had been countless reports of fainting and nausea, ensuring the film’s banning in the UK for 11 years.
4- Sleepaway Camp (Directed by Robert Hiltzik, 1983) – 40th Anniversary.
Summer slashers are known for their camp (both figurative and literal) splatter-fests, with films such as Sleepaway Camp dominating this bloody, sunny, and very much ‘forward’ subgenre of horror. Sleepaway Camp delivers an impeccably entertaining storyline of a whodunit amidst a summer campsite, with plenty of extremely gnarly kills featuring along the way. However, if there is one thing that makes this 40-year-old film a classic, it is the iconic ending that will leave your jaw on the floor for a very, very long time.
5- Videodrome (Directed by David Cronenberg, 1983) – 40th Anniversary
If there is one thing Cronenberg is known for, it’s his exuberantly horrifying filmography that refuses to shy the camera away, instead directing the frame to be as visceral and infringing as possible. An excellent example of a pure Cronenberg gem that has stood the test of time (for 40 years now) is Videodrome, which is very much a body horror through to the bone. Working alongside the icky displays of gratuitous practical effects is the science fiction plot that transports the viewer into another dimension where morals are tested and the terrifying illusions of surreality are left to run riot.
6- Killer Klowns from Outer Space (Directed by Stephen Chiodo, 1988) – 35th Anniversary
On paper, the story of extraterrestrial creatures with clown-like appearances invading a small town should not work. However, there is something so hilarious and entertaining about watching alien clowns wielding popcorn guns, going absolutely berzerk on screen. Killer Klowns rivets in the absurd, which is wholeheartedly aided by the impressive practical effects that are an absolute testament to the creativity seen within 1980s horror.
7- Ringu (Directed by Hideo Nakata, 1998) – 25th Anniversary
Ringu is responsible for the nightmares of pretty much every audience member ever since its release 25 years ago. This timeless classic belongs to the long line of technology-based terrors, which is seeing a resurgence in the current horror domain. Ringu revels in the brooding terror of slow-burn horror that takes its time in building up to a horrifying conclusion, as well as introducing one of the genre’s most chilling creatures to ever meet the screen.
8- House of 1000 Corpses (Directed by Rob Zombie, 2003) – 20th Anniversary
Rob Zombie has garnered a slightly unbalanced reputation in the horror scene, with many believing his music to be better than his filmography. However, one film from his wide selection that many can agree on being an utter bonanza of cruel fun is House of 1000 Corpses. Not only is this the feature where Captain Spaudling (Sid Haig) made his mark, but it is also where Zombie showed off his extravagant style, with the film revelling in grindhouse cinema aesthetics. This now 20-year-old film is still as hyped today as it was upon its initial release, with its fanbase securing the film as a cult classic.
9- Wrong Turn (Directed by Rob Schmidt, 2003) – 20th Anniversary
During the early 2000s, a ‘new-ish’ type of horror film dominated the genre – a neo-slasher/ cabin in the woods-esque style of feature. It is difficult to determine a definitive answer, but many will refer to these films simply as the ‘early 2000s’. A Kickstarter and iconic entry into this market was Wrong Turn, which reaches its 20th anniversary this year. Wrong Turn thrives in the sheer gravitas of the Appalachian Mountains to display gruesome scenes of cannibalism, dismemberments, and the usual graphic debaucheries seen in teen horror.
10- Martyrs (Directed by Pascal Laugier, 2008) – 15th Anniversary
Many only watch Martyrs once as this gritty gem exudes such graphic levels of torture and violence that most deem it ‘sick and twisted’. This mainstream-extreme horror is a significant player within the New French Extremity paradigm that aims to shock and startle every step along the way. As Martyrs reaches its 15th year of disturbing audiences, its connotations remain stringent, with the film’s visceral displays of exploitations aiming to comment upon the wider discourse of immortality and pain.
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(from left) Dracula (Nicolas Cage) and Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) in Renfield, directed by Chris McKay.
Evil Dead Rise (Directed by Lee Cronin) Release date: 21st April
2023 is hitting off with a “groovy” start as the fifth entry into the Evil Dead franchise will be hitting the big screen in just a couple of months. Rumours of a sequel to Fede Álvarez Evil Dead (2013) and promises of Sam Raimi writing a separate feature into the franchise have been stirring for years, with fans eagerly waiting for the return of Necronomicon antics. Just as all hope was disparaged Lee Cronin (director of The Hole in the Ground [2019]) was announced as the filmmaker of this new and very much unique instalment. Instead of following the usual cabin setting, Cronin takes us on a metropolis ride of demonic hell as the film documents possession, mommy issues, and plenty of manic gore all within the confines of Los Angeles.
M3GAN (Directed by Gerard Johnstone) Release date: 13th January
Chucky and Annabelle are in the company of a new ‘friend till the end’ as Gerard Johnstone and Jason Blum welcome M3GAN. The news of the latest possessed doll feature may not have had the warmest welcomes at first due to the continuous spur of toy-gone-wrong horrors entering the scene. However, upon the trailer’s release, the internet took M3GAN under its wing. And before the film had even been released, M3GAN was a viral sensation. The film follows Gemma (Allison Williams), a tech designer struggling to come to terms with unexpected guardianship, and the deadly quirks that come with designing an evil, sinisterly-lifelike A.I. doll.
There’s Something Wrong with the Children (Directed by Roxanne Benjamin) Release date: 17th January
There’s Something Wrong with the Children comes from the mind of Roxanne Benjamin, who is most notable for directing segments in Southbound (2015) and XX (2017). The hauntingly titled film tackles a children-gone-mad storyline after a family weekend trip results in supernatural happenings.
Scream 6 (Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett) Release date: 10th March
Ghostface is a certified horror household name, with every Scream feature becoming an instant classic amongst audiences. Adding to the beloved franchise is Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett’s follow-up to last year’s Scream. Very few details have been released regarding what, who, and when Ghostface is on the hunt for despite the March release date. What we do know is that Woodsboro is seemingly no more, as the latest survivors Sam (Melissa Barrera), Tara (Jenna Ortega), Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Chad (Mason Goodling) head to New York City to escape the trauma from Ghostface’s slayings. Returning to the franchise is everyone’s favourite reporter Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) and Scream 4 legend Kirby (Hayden Panettiere).
Cuckoo (Directed by Tilman Singer) Release date: TBC
Luz (2018) director Tilman Singer is set to deliver a seemingly bloody, tense tale as press images reveal Euphoria’s Hunter Schafer bandaged and bruised, hiding from a blurred but nevertheless eerie figure in what appears to be a library. Despite the little information and closed details, what we do know is that the baseline plot follows a 17-year-old girl, forced to relocate to a strange resort where everything is not what it seems.
Knock at the Cabin (Directed by M. Night Shyamalan) Release date: 3rd February
Based on the novel The Cabin at the End of the World (2018) is Knock at the Cabin. M. Night Shyamalan knows how to put on a display of cryptic dread that aims to take the unpredictable road for the entire film, with The Sixth Sense (1999) and The Visit (2015) both absconding into the unknown. The impressive cast for this apocalyptic-based horror is Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Nikki Amuka-Bord, Abby Quinn, and Rupert Grin. The film’s events revolve around a family being taken hostage by a crew of armed strangers, demanding that they have to make an impossible choice in order to save the world.
Renfield (Directed by Chris McKay) Release date: 14th April
One of this year’s more unexpected entries is Renfield, an original and slightly more irreverent take on a Dracula tale. Nicholas Hoult is Renfield, the footman to Count Dracula (Nicolas Cage). After an eternity of tiring work, Renfield ventures beyond the vampiric layer to see what lies beyond. However, the path to freedom is not as easy as one would expect. Based on the promotional material, this upcoming bloodsucking feat promises the perfect vampy mix of off-kilter humour and savage frights
Saw X (Directed by Kevin Greutert) Release date: 27th October
Ever since 2004, Saw has not left the margins of popular horror cinema. Whether it’s the ruthless kills that don’t hold back or the puzzling enigmas that come with every film, Saw has it all. Adding to the long line of blood-soaked terror is Saw X, the latest addition directed by Kevin Greutert. With a fairly long wait, until its release, details are kept sorely tight, but Jigsaw’s upcoming antics are in good hands with Greutert previously editing The Strangers (2008) and The Collection (2012).
Missing (Directed by Nick Johnson and Will Merrick) Release date: 20th January
Just as found footage horror captured audience’s attention and dominated the market years ago, its sister strain- desktop horror- has been similarly latching its hooks into digitalised-centric cinema. From the team of Searching (2019?) comes Missing, a cryptic thriller following a struggling daughter (Storm Reid) as she searches for her missing mother (Nia Long).
Infinity pool (Directed by Brandon Cronenberg) Release date: 27th January
It would be unfair to comment on Brandon Cronenberg’s talent as being only connected to his father (legendary David Cronenberg), as Brandon has proved with Antiviral (2012) and Possessor (2020) that he is very much his own auteur. Infinity Pool brings about the talents of Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman, and Alexander Skarsgård in this sci-fi tale.
Skinamarink (Directed by Kyle Edward Ball) Release date: 13th January
Skinamarink is living proof that independent, micro-budget features can stand up against the blockbusters with Kyle Edward Ball’s upcoming exploration into hellish descents bringing about immense amounts of hype. To gather research for the plot, Ball asked on his Youtube channel (Bitesized Nightmares) about people’s worst nightmares, creating an eerily relatable horror that aims to get right under the viewer’s skin.
MaXXXine (Directed by TI West) Release date: 18th March
MaXXXine is the final (for now) entry into the X trilogy, directed by TI West. Unlike its predecessor Pearl (2022), MaXXXine will not go back in time but instead forward, with the film’s events following directly on from the finale of X (2022). The precise plot details are yet to be revealed, but West has given a brief hint– MaXXXine will follow Mia Goth’s savage on-screen persona Maxine as she goes on to pursue a career in Hollywood following on from the massacre in the first film.
Alone at Night (Directed by Jimmy Giannopoulos) Release date: 20th January
Alone at Night is set to take viewers by storm as this full-throttle story follows Vicky (Ashley Benson), a cam model who undergoes a battle of survival when a masked killer hunts her down. Alone at Night brings about the talents of Pamela Anderson, Luis Guzmán, Paris Hilton, Winnie Harlow, Sky Ferreria, and G-Eazy to deliver a vivid, neon-lit, slasher.
V/H/S 85 (Directed by Miscellaneous) Release date: TBC
The latest V/H/S film is set all around many horror fans’ favourite movie decade, the 1980s. This retro throwback will feature several segments from epic filmmakers including David Bruckner, Scott Derrickson, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Natasha Kermani and Mike P. Nelson.
Humane (Directed by Caitlin Cronenberg) Release date: Post-production
The Cronenberg’s are having a great time at the movies this year as Caitlin Cronenberg brings Humane into the mix of thrilling horrors this year. Humane chronicles an apocalyptic-Esque storyline chronicling a family dinner party gone wrong after a new governmental euthanasia system goes array.
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