Cliff Notes – Sci-fi horror thriller hailed ‘instant cult classic’ free to stream as sequel hits cinemas

The 2023 film M3GAN, featuring a killer robot, is now available for free streaming on Channel 4, just hours before its sequel, M3GAN 2.0, is released in UK cinemas.
Praised for its blend of horror and comedy, M3GAN received a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics highlighting its unique charm and engaging performances.
The sequel sees a reformed M3GAN teaming up with her creator, Gemma, to combat a new threat, showcasing a shift in character dynamics while maintaining the franchise’s signature humour.

Sci-fi horror thriller hailed ‘instant cult classic’ free to stream as sequel hits cinemas

The 2023 sci-fi horror film M3GAN is streaming now for free on Channel 4, mere hours before its sequel lands in UK cinemas.

Released by horror giants Blumhouse, M3GAN told the story of a pint-sized robot on the rampage.

Loaded with experimental AI programming, M3GAN targets her creator, roboticist Gemma (Allison Williams), after developing self-awareness.

Fearing Gemma is about to come between her and bestie Cady (Violet), M3GAN takes violent action to ensure that they’ll stay friends to the end.

The film became an instant hit with fans, with many praising its combination of high camp and unsettling scares.

With the film’s sequel imminent, M3GAN is now available to watch for free on Channel 4’s streaming service.

Garnering a 93% ‘fresh’ score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, M3GAN was well-liked by critics and viewers alike.

Metro.co.uk’s own James Mottram described the film as ‘surprisingly funny and offbeat’ – while likening its diminutive killer to horror icon Chucky.

Elsewhere, Filmhounds called it ‘clap-inducing ridiculousness,’ while CBC News said it was ‘chaotic, dumb – and nearly perfect.’

The positive opinion was largely backed up by its audience, who contributed to a 78% score on the website.

‘This sci-fi horror is an instant cult classic and I do hope they make a sequel,’ wrote one unnamed (and presumably now very happy) user.

‘A smooth mix of sci-fi horror and comedy making an amazing movie with eerie themes and bloody comedy,’ said Lincoln D.

‘Superb satirical dystopian comedy thriller-horror, with lots of wit, smart dialogue and laugh-out-loud humour,’ agreed Murray C.

With the film’s sequel on release this weekend, fans can find the original film on 4oD.

Gore fans beware, though – it appears to be the original PG-13 rated cut, rather than the unrated version, which includes some extra shots of gore and some added swearing.

Worry not, though, both versions contain the now-iconic dance routine.

Director Gerard Johnstone returns along with M3GAN, Gemma and Cady for the film’s sequel, titled M3GAN 2.0.

Seemingly taking inspiration from Terminator 2: Judgement Day in its role reversal, the film sees a reformed M3GAN join forces with Gemma as they battle another rogue robot.

When military bot Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno) turns on her own creators, Gemma is left with no choice but to upgrade M3GAN in the hope of turning the tables.

But can M3GAN be trusted?

Speaking on his influences for the film’s sequel, director Gerard told Metro: ‘For me, it’s an extension of the character.’

He continued: ‘When I was a kid, the Evil Dead movies were a huge influence on me, and I was freaked out by 1, rocked by 2 – but also conscious that it had a sense of humor – and then 3 was just this flat-out adventure with demons in it.

‘To me, that was just such a great reminder that you don’t have to be bound by limitations, as long as you have a great character and you’re true to the origins of your tale. I think that’s what is happening with M3GAN 2.0, really.

‘We’ve taken the villain from the first movie and put her center stage. By virtue of doing that, it’s not going to be quite as creepy as the first movie, but it’s a different experience, and one that I still think is a hell of a lot of fun.’

M3GAN 2.0 is out in UK cinemas from June 27.