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M3gandazzled audiences in 2022 with its timely AI premise, gory kills, and camp humor. The film about a murderous AI companion became a pop culture phenomenon, appearing on The Today Show, SNL, and TikTok. A sequel,M3gan 2.0, will be released in June 2025. But fans can satisfy their appetite for computerized chaos by watching Netflix’s latest thriller,Cassandra.
Cassandrais a limited series that follows the Prills, a family that moves into one of the first-ever smart homes (a relic from the 1970s). When they turn the home’s computer system on, a housekeeper named Cassandra greets them, promising to fulfill their every need. However, Cassandra has many secrets that drive her to terrorize the Prills, jeopardizing the family’s safety.
Cassandra’sTitular Character Matches M3gan’s Sass
M3ganwould not be the film it is without its breakout star, an AI doll with a sharp wit and devious tactics. She’ll do anything to protect her inventor’s niece, Cady, even if it means permanently disabling the woman who made her. M3gan’s ruthlessness makes her terrifying, but she buys her audience over with quips you’d never expect from a childlike doll. For instance, when she explains her plan to Gemma, M3gan says, “One of my emergent abilities may surprise you. Palliative care.” Damn, M3gan, that’s cold!
Cassandra’sAI namesake has the same combination of menace and camp that made M3gan a fun character to watch. This computerized mother (shut your mouth!) does not mince words. One standout moment from the show is when she reads a young man to filth after herudely attempts to order her around. She responds to his behavior and says, “Apart from your grammatically juvenile sentence structure making it difficult for me to understand you, I’ve yet to hear the magic word come out of your mouth, young man.”
That was an SFW example. There are several moments when Cassandra says everything without uttering a single word. One particular scene withCassandra and a nude Mr.Prillwill elicit a gasp (or at least a jaw drop).
CassandraHas Some Brutally Gory Moments
No one can forgetM3gan’sinfamous ear-ripping scene. It’s a standout horror moment that’s difficult to watch but impossible to ignore. (Granted, Brandon deserved it.) That scene was one of severaloutrageous kills committed by the violent AI doll. However, is a German Netflix series willing to stoop as deep into the bloody pits asM3gan?
Gore-aholics can anticipatesome nasty bloodshed momentsinCassandra. While the series values storytelling over shock value, there are many moments viewers will not see coming. Those with an appetite for carnage can expect burning, dismemberment, blood, and more. Furthermore, the series features effective practical and special effects!
CassandraExamines Queer Themes
M3gan’sblunt attitude and on-fleek dance moves catapulted her to gay icon status.Even SNL noticed. However, the film did not have significant queer storylines.Cassandradoes not have the same pizazz as Universal’s AI TikTok girly. But the series makes up for it by addressing hard-hitting LGBTQ+ themes, including the relationship between mothers and their queer children, as well as a sweet, gay high school romance.
One refreshing character inCassandrais Fynn Prill, the family’s teenage son, who is out and accepted by his family. Not only is Fynn gay, he’s unabashedly gay. Before moving to the countryside, he fronted a punk rock band that performeda song dedicated to Tom Holland’s butt. His relationship with his closeted classmate, Steve, encounters rough obstacles but ends happily. There are no ‘bury your gays’ tropes here!
CassandraHas Viral Musical Moments
Do you remember that scene when M3gan comforts Cady in a shareholder demo by serenading her with Sia’s “Bulletproof?” It’s equal parts cringe and heartwarming. Or what aboutthe “Mingle” song fromSquid Gameseason 2 currently dominating TikTok? Musical viral moments provide fun opportunities for fans to connect over their favorite films and TV shows.
Those looking to jump onto the hottest social media trends early should watchCassandra. While we can’t give everything away, an earworm of a song will wriggle into your brain and never leave. Virality aside, the series has a strong soundtrack featuring German covers and under-the-radar tracks that will earn a place in your Spotify rotation.
