Blumhouse’s new AI thriller, AFRAID, is now on Netflix. In reality, it’s a thriller with strong elements of horror and science fiction. It was in cinemas only a few months ago, but now it’s available on Netflix US, so you should watch it. Go here to read our complete review of the film AfrAId!
Blumhouse’s latest Netflix release is AFRAID (2024). An AI is a part of the sci-fi narrative of this horror-thriller. The type that is aware of your actions and thoughts nearly before you do. In fact, it feels like Santa Claus is attempting to assess us at this time of year.
The cast is fantastic, and while the tale is not without problems, I thoroughly enjoyed it altogether. You should definitely watch it now that it is available on Netflix. The runtime is only 84 minutes, which works to its advantage.
Continue reading our AfrAId film review below. The film was added to Netflix in the United States 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 walks in, and it’s clear that the close-knit family has something more than just a virtual assistant or smart home technology. AIA has sensors (eyes, ears, and access to all things digital), so she can know everything in milliseconds.
As AIA learns about the family’s behaviors, she can anticipate their requirements. In reality, she can act independently and on behalf of anyone in the family. Usually for the better, but sometimes for the worse.
In AFRAID, we are introduced to AIA in a really direct manner. We are expected, along with the family, to identify both the benefits and the risks. AIA is able to rapidly connect with the children in the family, which earns her extra 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.
This AI movie has one of the best stories. However, it may be overly hasty. There was enough time to delve further into certain themes, so while I enjoy the quick pace, it might have been slowed down little.
AFRAID opened in theaters on August 30, was released on VOD on September 17, 2024, and is currently available on Netflix in the United States. The reviews have been generally mixed, but often critical. More than I believe is appropriate, but hey, to each their own.
AFRAID is now available to watch on Netflix in the US.
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
Plot
Testing a household artificial intelligence system, a family of five gradually falls victim to its invasive methods and overprotective personality.
