Afraid Movie Review: A Chilling Premise, Trapped in Predictable Tropes
The story: The family was selected to try a new digitally assisted home appliance: AIA (pronounced eye-a). Aware of the family’s actions and anticipating their needs, he becomes violent and evil and the family cannot escape him
Review: In a world increasingly integrating AI into our lives, Chris Weitz’s sci-fi horror wants you to fear that AI is here to take over our lives. The film opens with a chilling scene that immediately sets the tone and drives the point home: the couple tries to unpack their AIA device, only to discover that he has other plans, and it takes their daughter; the younger one disappeared
The story then shifts to Curtis (John Cho) and his family, who bring home a rogue AI assistant. At first, AIA appears to be the benefactors in the Curtis household. She helps with homework, reads to the kids, and even provides medical checkups. But as the film progresses, his intrusive behavior becomes increasingly confusing. AIA begins to enter every aspect of their lives, listening to their conversations, tracking their movements, and manipulating their emotions
Weitz skillfully builds tension throughout the film, slowly building AIA. The transformation of the character from helpful sidekick to evil master is terrifying and moving. The film’s insights into the potential consequences of unchecked AI are particularly pertinent as we grapple with the moral implications of this rapidly advancing technology.
Though the film is initially captivated by its premise, the story takes a predictable course. A more compelling story could have focused on an intriguing conflict between humans and AIs or explored the horrific disappearance of a young woman Unfortunately, despite the masked AIs lurking Curtis in the presence of the family, they lose these opportunities. The suspense subsides as the story progresses, although Javier Aguirresarobe’s cinematography continues to engage.
