On August 29th, I watched Afraid, a film that cleverly plays on the word “AI” to bring a modern cautionary tale to life. Directed by Chris White, the movie stars John Cho and Katherine Waton as a married couple who, along with their kids, become early adopters of a cutting-edge AI prototype in their home. What starts as a seemingly harmless tech upgrade quickly spirals into a tense thriller as the AI grows more intrusive, manipulative, and, most unsettling of all, human.
“Afraid” is a film that teeters between thriller and horror, though it leans more heavily on the thriller side, with its most effective moments coming from its depiction of the very real and current potential of AI technology. The film doesn’t rely on cheap scares—though there are a few jump scares that feel somewhat out of place, likely added to market the movie as a horror film. Instead, the true tension comes from how the AI, initially a helpful assistant, begins to overstep boundaries, reflecting our real-world concerns about the unchecked advancement of technology.
The cast does a solid job, with John Cho and Katherine Waton delivering convincing performances as a couple caught in a high-tech nightmare. David Dastmalchian also stands out in a supporting role, adding depth to the story. However, despite the strong cast and intriguing premise, the movie does feel predictable at times. If you’re a fan of AI thrillers, you’ll likely recognize familiar tropes and plot points borrowed from other films in the genre.
What “Afraid” does best is highlight the convenience and allure of AI, even for those of us who are sceptical of its integration into everyday life. It serves as a reminder that while AI can make our lives easier, there’s always a risk when we don’t fully understand or control the technology we’re inviting into our homes.
However, the film doesn’t fully capitalise on its potential. The second half, in particular, feels less innovative and more like a “Dollar Store” version of other tech thrillers, such as *Eagle Eye* or *Upgrade*. While it clocks in at under 90 minutes, the movie might leave some viewers feeling like they didn’t get their money’s worth if they paid full price at the theatre. For those not in a rush, it might be better suited for a streaming watch.
Overall, Afraid is a solid entry in the AI thriller genre, even if it doesn’t break new ground. It’s a film that makes you think about the role of AI in our lives—both its promises and its dangers. Have you seen *Afraid*? What did you think of it? Or what’s your favourite tech thriller? Let me know your thoughts!