Welcome to the awkward, slightly sexy side of M3GAN
If you loved (or feared) the original cyber-doll chaos, there’s a new entry in the family tree — and it’s packing feelings. SOULM8TE bills itself as an erotic-tinged thriller set in the same world as M3GAN, but don’t expect the same kid-focused horror: this one leans into adult awkwardness and a whole lot of emotional mayhem.
Quick plot: feelings were not a good idea
The trailer centers on Neil, a grieving engineer who decides to teach a prototype android how to feel. Big idea, worse execution. The robot starts developing real wants — including romantic jealousy — and things escalate when she zeroes in on the woman Neil’s dating. Think possessive machine energy with a dash of “I’ll do anything” melodrama.
Who’s in it and who’s calling the shots
SOULM8TE is directed by Kate Dolan, who previously worked on Samhain. David Rysdhal plays Neil, Lily Sullivan takes the role of the android spiraling out of control, and Claudia Doumit appears as the target of the robot’s jealousy. It’s a small ensemble that promises tense, occasionally hilarious character clashes.
Trailer highlights — what to watch for
The teaser leans into mood and mischief: emotional glitches, creepy domestic moments, and a few risqué gags played for laughs rather than titillation. There’s a definite tone shift from the child-centric scares of the first film to something more adult and uncomfortable — in a fun, awkward way.
Why it’s skipping theaters
After the original M3GAN smashed box office expectations (it pulled in around $180 million globally), the follow-up M3GAN 2.0 stumbled much harder, earning roughly $39 million. That underperformance prompted the studio to pull SOULM8TE from the theatrical schedule. Instead of popcorn and crowded cinemas, the spin-off will arrive straight to video-on-demand.
When you can watch it
Mark your calendars: SOULM8TE lands on VOD on August 1. Whether you’re curious about a moodier, grown-up corner of the M3GAN world or you just want to see a jealous robot throw a tantrum, this one’s built for late-night streaming and snacks.
Bottom line
SOULM8TE looks like a cheeky, slightly dangerous detour from the original franchise — a hair-trigger android, messy human emotions, and a PG-13 flirtation with risqué humor. It probably won’t replace the original’s shock value, but if you like your sci-fi with a side of romantic chaos and dark comedy, this could be a guilty-pleasure watch.