Afraid – Movie Review (3/5)

AFRAID on Netflix is a new AI thriller from Blumhouse. It’s actually a thriller with heavy sci-fi and horror drivers. Just a few months ago it was in theaters and now it’s on Netflix US, where you should give it a shot. Read our full AfrAId movie review here!

AFRAID (2024) is a new Netflix addition from Blumhouse. It’s a horror-thriller with a sci-fi plot featuring an AI. The kind that knows what you’re doing and thinking almost before you do yourself. Actually, at this time of year, it feels like some sort of Santa Claus trying to gauge us.

The cast is wonderful and while the story isn’t without flaws, I really enjoyed it overall. Now that it’s on Netflix, you should definitely give it a shot. The runtime is just 84 minutes, so even this is to its advantage.

Continue reading our AfrAId movie review below. The movie was added to Netflix in the US on November 28, 2024.

Meet AIA – your new AI overlord

The title of AFRAID was previously “They Listen” or “It Listens” and it’s easy to understand why. After all, the concept revolves around a new digital family assistant called AIA. Basically, an AI that’s much more advanced than you could imagine.

Or would ever want, most likely.

In AFRAID, we meet Curtis (John Cho) as he is trying to land a new client. He works in marketing and the client has made this new groundbreaking AI assistant. In order for him to understand it – so he can come up with the best marketing plan – he is given a prototype.

AIA moves in and it’s obvious that the tight-knit family has something that goes way beyond your typical virtual assistant or smart home device. AIA has sensors (eyes, ears, and access to all things digital) so she knows everything within milliseconds.

As AIA gets to know the family’s behaviors, she is able to anticipate their needs. In fact, she is also able to act on her own and on behalf of anyone in the family. Usually for better, but also for worse.

A wonderful cast

In AFRAID, we’re introduced to AIA in a very direct way. We’re supposed to – alongside the family – recognize all the advantages as well as the dangers. AIA is able to connect with the children in the house very quickly, which also gives her bonus points with the parents.

And just like that, AIA has become a valued member of the family. But also the one who seems to be on top of everything, and decides what should happen.

John Cho (The Grudge) is wonderful as the father, Curtis, with an equally amazing Katherine Waterston (Alien: Covenant) as the mother, Meredith. She isn’t quite sure what to think of AIA at first, but the digital assistant knows just what to do, and wins her over quite fast.

As the kids in the family, we have Lukita Maxwell (Genera+ion) as the daughter, Iris, Wyatt Lindner (Carved) as the middle child, Preston, and Isaac Bae as the youngest son, Cal. All three work remarkably well, which isn’t always a given when working with children.

Finally, as people working for the AIA company are another three familiar faces. There’s David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil), Ashley Romans (Y: The Last Man), and Havana Rose Liu (No Exit). Overall, everyone in the cast delivers their A-game!

Watch AFRAID on Netflix US now

AFRAID was written and directed by Chris Weitz (American Pie, The Creator). As already mentioned, this is a Blumhouse production, so Jason Blum is also involved with it. Of course, this is far from the first AI-thriller or AI-themed horror movie, we’ve seen in recent years.

Movies like ROMI and Hard Home are quite similar in core plot to AFRAID but focus on the “Smart Home” element more than an AI that reaches beyond the home. T.1.M. and TAU are more like AIA – the former is even in the shape of an actual humanlike android.

Still, you could check out them all. Especially if you’re both fascinated and scared by AI and all that listens. Sure, they paint some scary pictures, but also highlight their advantages.

ALSO READ

Our review of the Netflix AI Thriller CTRL >

The story of this AI movie is one of the better ones. However, maybe it is a little too rushed. There was time to dive into certain elements a little more, so while I appreciate the fast pace, it could’ve slowed down a little.

AFRAID premiered in theaters on August 30, was then released on VOD on September 17, 2024, and now it’s on Netflix in the US. Reviews have been fairly mixed but often harsh. Moreso than I feel is fair, but hey, to each their own.

AFRAID is available to watch on Netflix in the US now. 

Details

Director: Chris Weitz
Writer: Chris Weitz
Cast: John Cho, Katherine Waterstone, Greg Hill, Riki Lindhome, Lukita Maxwell, Keith Carradine, Havana Rose Liu, Wyatt Lindner, Ben Youcef, Isaac Bae