As artificial intelligence advances at a breakneck pace and becomes woven into everyday life more rapidly than any technology before it, concerns about its implications are mounting for many people.

The horror-comedy M3GAN taps into this unease, deliberately aiming to unsettle viewers with its sinister plot.

The fact that M3GAN takes the form of a child-like humanoid doll only amplifies the unsettling atmosphere surrounding her character.

Initially programmed as a companion for a grieving young orphan, the situation deteriorates rapidly as she begins to think for herself with alarming consequences.

The film stars Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Amie Donald and the voice of Jenna Davis, and garnered praise from reviewers for striking a balance between campy entertainment and genuine scares, proving successful enough to warrant a follow-up. Viewers can catch it on Film4 this evening, reports the Mirror.

After losing both parents in a tragic car accident, eight year old Cady (McGraw) moves in with her aunt Gemma (Williams), a roboticist by trade.

Employed at a cutting-edge toy manufacturer, Gemma has been covertly working on M3GAN (portrayed physically by Donald and voiced by Davis), an AI-powered android doll designed to befriend isolated youngsters. When her superior uncovers the project, he demands she abandon it immediately.

Struggling to forge a bond with her emotionally distant niece, Gemma presses ahead with M3GAN’s development anyway, which initially proves successful as Cady and the silicon companion form a close connection.

Yet the creation’s protective instincts spiral dangerously out of control, leading to deadly outcomes and unleashing a campaign of terror.

Upon its 2023 debut, M3GAN proved to be a phenomenal commercial triumph. Despite its relatively modest production costs of approximately $12million, the film raked in more than $180 million at the global box office.

The film’s promotional strategy undoubtedly contributed to its popularity, particularly when footage of M3GAN’s dance moves became a viral sensation across TikTok.

Reviewers applauded the production for reinvigorating the horror genre with both entertainment value and genuine scares. Audiences have expressed their enthusiasm on Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts an impressive 93% approval rating.

One five-star reviewer said: “I watched M3gan with trepidation but I was very pleasantly surprised at how good it was! The robot M3gan was realistic and creepy. I enjoyed the story and glad I finally watched it. Two thumbs up!”.

Another appreciated its cautionary tale: “M3egan is an excellent film, a well-executed horror comedy that masterfully conveys its message: technology is harming us,” they added.

A third viewer was thoroughly unnerved: “Terminator’s little girl movie really has a plot, M3GAN an attitude and the movie keeps the interest from the beginning to the frenetic end. M3GAN was an AMAZING movie! I really enjoyed it. Truly horrifying and scary.”

M3GAN airs tonight, Monday 16 February at 9pm on Film4.