Shortly after M3GAN was released by the executive producers at Universal Pictures at Blumhouse Productions, the science fiction horror film quickly shattered the preconceived notion that it would become a whimsical flop by scoring such high marks on Rotten Tomatoes that it broke the record for the greatest score of all time (Get Out by Jordan Peele scored a %98), although the score has since dipped to 95%. The horror flick dropped on January 6th, earning $33.7 million at the box office domestically, making it the most successful film to have been released during the first week of a new year since The Devil Inside debuted back in 2012. The feat also marks the best debut of an original picture since Nope hit theaters back in July.
If it weren't for the overwhelming popularity of Avatar: The Way of Water, M3GAN might be the most talked about movie of the Winter season, despite the huge discrepancy in the budget for both productions. Instances like this have garnered high praise for the marketing team at Universal as well as the film's writer (Aleka Cooper) and director (Gerald Johnstone). In addition to attracting favorable commentary from media outlets such as Rotten Tomatoes and the New York Times, the production team has already been given the green light for a sequel to what some film pundits have deemed an instant cult classic.
M3GAN (an acronym that means Model 3 Generative Android) stars Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, and Jenna Davis; the storyline follows a young orphan girl named Cady who gets befriended by the prototype for a robot doll created by her Aunt Gemma. The doll is designed to pattern itself after the behavior of humans that it comes in contact with it. This doll's main objective is to protect Cady emotionally and physically, but things go haywire when the M3GAN becomes overly protective of her friend. Thus igniting a suspenseful killing spree.
M3GAN has been in the theaters for approximately two weeks, and it has earned $90 million globally. Amid all the accolades, many critics have begun to rank it among the best horror films of all time. The movie's success has also landed Aleka Cooper's name on the radar of fans and media outlets worldwide. The Missouri native was previously listed on the "Screenwriters to Watch" list for 2021 by Variety.
Source: LA Times
