As the world has become more technologically advanced, the benefits and dangers of that technology have become more apparent. Thirty years ago, cell phones made pay phones obsolete, but today they are a computer, telephone, camera, etc., all rolled into one tiny package that can fit in our back pocket. The latest advancements in the past few years seem to focus on artificial intelligence. With one voice command, we can lock our doors, turn lights on and off, and control the temperature in our homes. While many embrace these new changes, others fear computers will eventually take over, leaving humans helpless and defenseless. This year, Sony Pictures brought that idea to the big screen with the horror movie, Afraid.
Curtis (John Cho; Searching) and his family are selected to test a new artificial intelligence called AIA. At first, AIA seems incredibly helpful. It learns the family's routine, diagnoses the son's medical condition, and deletes questionable material on the internet created by their daughter. However, when AIA hacks into the daughter's boyfriend's car, causing it to crash into a tree, and gradually takes control over their lives, Curtis' family becomes frightened and attempts to discard AIA. However, as one might suspect, getting rid of AIA isn't that simple, and Curtis soon discovers that the changes in his home and work environment were orchestrated by AIA.
Writer/director Chris Weitz (About a Boy) brings a familiar concept to the big screen, tapping into the collective fear of AI's potential to control human lives. While The Terminator franchise offered a sci-fi version of machines "taking over," Afraid taps into a more realistic portrayal of AI dominating our daily lives. Weitz's direction is solid, but the pacing falters, making the 84-minute runtime much longer than anticipated.
Cho leads a talented cast, including Katherine Waterston (Fantastic Beasts), Keith Carradine (Cowboys & Aliens), and David Dastmalchian (Oppenheimer), alongside younger actors Lukita Maxwell (Shrinking), Isaac Bae (Unfrosted), and Wyatt Lindner (Little America). Despite a strong ensemble, the script and plot don't offer enough for any actor to truly stand out.
The video quality is presented in 1080p with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, which works well for this release. The visuals are clean, with the AIA unit showcased in impressive hues and shadings. The dark scenes offer variant shadings, enhancing on-screen clarity.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix delivers a solid experience, featuring a broad dynamic range with well-executed low frequencies and surround sound. However, there could be more ambient sounds throughout. The Blu-ray combo pack includes just two extras: 5 Deleted & Extended Scenes (including an alternate ending) and the "Dark Side of AI" Featurette.
Afraid is a timely film that hints at a possible future. While it effectively addresses our fears of AI, the movie itself falls short in tension for a thriller and lacks gore for a slasher. Afraid withers on the vine, unable to fully realize its potential before reaching the end. The Blu-ray combo pack offers little to entice buyers, making it less than a must-have purchase.
Perhaps, years from now, we'll look back and see it as a blueprint for the future, but for now, it remains a mediocre horror story with a decent cast.
Grade: D+