M3GAN | Important Motifs

In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for M3GAN, we look at important motifs that help us understand the film. 

Cast

• M3GAN – Amie Donald
• Voice of M3GAN – Jenna Davis
• Gemma – Allison Williams
• Cady – Violet McGraw
• Tess – Jen Van Epps
• Cole – Brian Jordan Alvarez
• David – Ronny Chieng
• Kurt – Stephane Garneau-Morten 
• Lydia – Amy Usherwood
• Celia – Lori Dungey

Important motifs in M3GAN

Toys

Toys are a central part of M3GAN. Mostly obviously, the titular character is the most advanced toy ever created. Mistakably human with a capacity to learn. Contrasting M3GAN is Bruce. Also advanced tech but completely lacking in intelligence. It’s just a big dummy that’s an extension of whoever is controlling it. When you compare these two, there’s a dichotomy between the toys that ask us to engage with them versus the toys that are essentially too smart for anyone to really benefit from. 

There’s a similar dichotomy between Cady’s initial toy, the PurrPetual Petz, and Gemma’s collectibles. The PurrPetual Pet is, in the short time it’s on screen, a nuisance. Bombastic, crude, manic. While Gemma’s collectibles sit in their boxes, quiet and pleasantly inanimate. Though M3GAN doesn’t necessarily tout one as superior to the other. We see how overprotective Gemma is, telling Cady they’re not something you play with. Then trying to limit Cady when Cady plays with it “incorrectly” in front of the court-appointed therapist (Lydia). This demonstrates how disconnected Gemma has become from the idea of play for the sake of play and the true spirit of a toy—to creatively engage.

What are your thoughts?

Are there more motifs you think should be part of the Colossus Movie Guide for M3GAN? Leave your thoughts below and we’ll consider them for the guide.