Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brutal, bloody sci-fi thriller about an artificial being.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Morgan
What's the Story?
In MORGAN, Lee Weathers (Kate Mara) from "corporate" arrives at a remote scientific compound after an accident, apparently to determine the validity of the research going on at the site. The research subject, Morgan (Anya Taylor-Joy), was created and raised in a lab; now she's growing fast and seems to have gained some powerful abilities. Despite sympathy from doctors and researchers like Amy (Rose Leslie), Morgan has already injured Kathy (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Psychologist Dr. Alan Shapiro (Paul Giamatti) doesn't fare so well, either. And unfortunately, Shapiro sets off a chain of events that leads to Morgan's escape, with Lee responsible for going after her.
Is It Any Good?
Despite a great cast and similarities to Ex Machina, this sci-fi movie doesn't really have much to say outside of a vague cautionary message. And it doesn't offer much in the way of thrills aside from the many killings. It's the directorial debut of Ridley Scott's son, Luke Scott, who also shot second-unit footage for his father's epic dud Exodus: Gods and Kings. While Morgan does have a few momentarily interesting visual ideas -- including the reflective glass cage in which Morgan lives, as well as the woods surrounding the compound -- Scott can't manage to tie these into the story or its themes (not to mention that these same visual ideas were used to much better effect in Ex Machina).
Then, when it all comes inevitably down to a chase/fight scenario, Scott chooses choppy editing and fast, whipping camera work, making it more disorienting than exciting. What's most perplexing is how such a phenomenal cast, including Leigh, Giamatti, Brian Cox, Michelle Yeoh, Toby Jones, and Mara, came on board for a script that feels so unfinished.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Morgan's violence. How does it make you feel? Do the characters face consequences for their actions? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How does it affect the movie that the most important characters are female? Are they role models? Are they stereotypes?
Is Morgan a sympathetic character? Did you identify with her? Care about her feelings? What does the movie have to say about artificial beings in general?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 2, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : December 13, 2016
- Cast : Kate Mara , Anya Taylor-Joy , Rose Leslie
- Director : Luke Scott
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : brutal violence, and some language
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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