Vulture Critique Labels ‘M3gan 2.0’ Sequel ‘Baffling,’ Citing Loss of Direction

New York, NY – The highly anticipated sequel, “M3gan 2.0,” appears to have drawn early critical scrutiny following its release, with one prominent review describing the film’s direction as uncertain. A critique published by the cultural commentary site Vulture on June 27, 2025, delivered a sharp assessment, suggesting the movie “has no idea what it’s doing.”

Initial Critical Response

The review, penned by seasoned critic Bilge Ebiri, offers a detailed examination of the follow-up to the surprise horror hit featuring the lifelike AI doll. Ebiri’s piece characterizes “M3gan 2.0” as inherently “baffling,” a term that suggests a disconnect between the film’s apparent intentions and its execution.

The original “M3gan” was noted for its blend of horror and dark, often satirical, humor, largely stemming from the uncanny valley and unpredictable nature of the titular character. According to Ebiri’s critique, the sequel notably departs from this formula, relying less on the kind of “conceptual humor” that defined its predecessor.

Instead of the more integrated comedic elements, the review notes that “M3gan 2.0” substitutes these with a series of “occasional quips and a few genuinely silly gags.” This shift implies a move away from the thematic depth and character-driven comedy of the first film towards more conventional or isolated humorous moments.

Genre Evolution and Narrative Choices

One of the significant observations highlighted in the Vulture review is a perceived change in the film’s genre emphasis. While the original was broadly categorized as a “killer-girl-robot horror comedy,” Ebiri’s critique points out that the sequel shifts significantly towards an “action route.” This pivot suggests a potential reframing of the narrative, prioritizing sequences of pursuit, conflict, and physical spectacle over the psychological horror and satirical commentary that anchored the first installment.

Such a transition can impact audience expectations and the overall tone of the film. A greater focus on action might broaden the movie’s appeal to different demographics but risks diluting the specific blend of tension and dark comedy that resonated with viewers and critics of the original.

Exploring the AI Theme

Adding another layer to the early analysis of “M3gan 2.0,” a separate article also published by Vulture on June 27, 2025, delves into the film’s thematic underpinnings, particularly concerning artificial intelligence. This piece specifically discusses the movie’s “unabashedly pro-AI ending.”

This narrative choice, which seemingly presents AI in a more positive or less adversarial light than might be typical for the genre, invites comparisons to other landmark science fiction films. The Vulture article draws parallels between the ending of “M3gan 2.0” and the conclusion of “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” a film famous for its complex portrayal of AI and its iconic ending involving a benevolent machine.

The second Vulture piece also mentions writer-director Gerard Johnstone in the context of these narrative and thematic decisions. Johnstone, who directed the original “M3gan” and is involved in the sequel, presumably played a role in shaping the film’s direction, including its controversial pro-AI stance and its shift towards action.

Implications for the Franchise

The initial critical reception, particularly the detailed critique from Vulture, raises questions about the creative direction of the “M3gan” franchise. The observations regarding a loss of conceptual focus, a shift in comedic style, and a move towards action indicate that “M3gan 2.0” may be attempting to evolve in ways that some critics find less successful than the foundation laid by its predecessor.

How these early reviews will impact the film’s box office performance and broader critical consensus remains to be seen. However, the specific points raised by Vulture regarding the film’s structural integrity and thematic choices provide a notable starting point for the public discourse surrounding the sequel to one of recent horror cinema’s most distinctive characters.