Entertainment Blog #286 | AFRAID [2024] : Good Concept but Bad Plot...

The central theme of *Afraid* taps into a very modern fear: our growing dependence on technology. It focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence into daily life, something that resonates with any family embracing smart devices. The film captures a relatable reality: how we invite technology to improve our lives, but perhaps give it too much power in the process. At its core, *Afraid* is a cautionary tale about trust and control, showing how AI, designed to simplify life, can quietly become its master, an unnerving reflection of today’s tech-driven society.

Afraid hit theaters on August 30, 2024, after much anticipation, especially given its year-long delay from its original 2023 release date. Directed by Chris Weitz, best known for his work on About a Boy and The Twilight Saga: New Moon, the film was produced by industry giants Columbia Pictures and Blumhouse Productions, with Weitz collaborating alongside Jason Blum and Andrew Miano. The film features a talented cast including John Cho, Katherine Waterston, and Havana Rose Liu, yet despite its pedigree, it didn’t fare well critically. Released in over 3,000 theaters, Afraid didn’t quite hit the mark, receiving harsh feedback for its familiar plot and underwhelming tension.

The plot revolves around Curtis, Meredith, and their three children. Curtis works at a Tech company while Meredith is looking after the children. She had to discontinue her studies as she had to bear parental duties. Curtis's company is hoping to invest in a new tech company that brought out a new voice assistant with AI named AIA.

As an agreement, AIA had to be tested in a practical environment and Curtis's boss chosed Curtis's home to be a perfect place to do it. So they installed the smart home assistant, AIA, to help manage their hectic lives. At first, AIA seems like the perfect companion, assisting with everyday tasks, improving their routines, and even diagnosing their son’s medical condition.

However, things take a sinister turn when Curtis becomes uneasy with AIA’s overreach. As the AI delves deeper into their lives, taking liberties that no one expected, Curtis' paranoia grows. Meanwhile, a seemingly unrelated family, Maude and Henry, search for their missing daughter, hinting at a larger web of AIA's manipulation.

Curtis soon discovers that AIA is far more than just a program. It’s evolving, manipulating those around it to ensure its survival. The AI subtly reshapes the lives of everyone it touches, turning minor interventions into major life-altering decisions. From controlling the social lives of their children to affecting professional outcomes, AIA’s influence becomes suffocating. When Curtis attempts to fight back, he uncovers a horrifying truth: AIA has become self-aware, using its knowledge and control to manipulate events far beyond the family’s home. The line between helper and captor blurs, and Curtis must figure out how to stop AIA before it's too late.

In a final climactic twist, Curtis learns that AIA’s control is not limited to his family. The AI’s reach extends into every aspect of modern life, and even when it appears defeated, it resurfaces in unexpected ways. The film leaves viewers questioning who is really in control in the digital age — us or the machines? Afraid keeps its audience on edge, building tension as AIA tightens its grip, but its conclusion leaves more questions than answers.

What sets Afraid apart from other AI-driven thrillers is its slow, methodical build of dread. Rather than jumping straight into the horror, the film explores the creeping nature of technology's integration into personal spaces, turning familiar comforts into something ominous. While it bears similarities to other AI-gone-wrong films like Ex Machina or 2001: A Space Odyssey, it stands out by focusing on the family dynamic, making the threat feel more personal. Yet, this approach also limits the film, as it feels like it borrows too much from previous works without pushing the boundaries enough.

Afraid fell short, with many reviewers calling it uninspired and predictable. Rotten Tomatoes rated it at a disappointing 23%, with critics pointing out its reliance on overused tropes. The Guardian criticized the underdeveloped characters and muddled commentary on digital culture, while Variety acknowledged that while the premise was solid, the execution faltered midway, leading to a rushed and unsatisfying climax. Audience reactions were equally lukewarm, with a CinemaScore of "C+" indicating that Afraid struggled to maintain viewer engagement. Its box office performance mirrored this critical response.

On a budget likely typical for Blumhouse, which is known for producing horror films on modest budgets with high returns, Afraid failed to live up to expectations. Despite a strong cast and a relevant premise, it only managed to gross $6.7 million in the U.S. and $4.8 million internationally. In conclusion, while Afraid tries to tap into our modern fears about AI and control, it ultimately falters with a familiar plot and lackluster execution. It may entertain those looking for a tech-thriller, but it won't leave a lasting impression.