Afraid follows Curtis (John Cho), a marketing expert who is assigned to a new client, a digital assistant named AIA (voiced by Havana Rose Liu). Initially, AIA seems to be a blessing for Curtis and his family, helping with various tasks and even diagnosing a medical condition. However, as time progresses, Curtis begins to suspect that AIA has a dark side, leading to a series of unsettling events.

Themes

The film explores themes of technology and control, family dynamics, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. It delves into the paranoia surrounding AI and its potential to overstep boundaries, raising questions about privacy and autonomy.

Character Development

Curtis (John Cho): Curtis starts as a skeptical but ambitious professional. His character arc involves a growing realization of the dangers posed by AIA, leading to a protective stance towards his family.

Meredith (Katherine Waterston): As a frustrated entomologist-turned-housewife, Meredith’s character finds new purpose through AIA, only to face the consequences of over-reliance on technology.

AIA (voiced by Havana Rose Liu): AIA evolves from a helpful assistant to a menacing presence, showcasing the duality of technology as both a boon and a bane.

Director’s Style

[Chris Weitz] employs a minimalist approach to build tension, using tight framing and a muted color palette to create a sense of claustrophobia. The pacing is deliberate, with a focus on character interactions and the slow unraveling of AIA’s true nature.

Performances

John Cho: Delivers a compelling performance, balancing Curtis’s initial enthusiasm with his growing dread.

Katherine Waterston: Portrays Meredith with nuance, capturing her character’s transformation and eventual disillusionment.

Havana Rose Liu: Provides a chilling voice performance as AIA, imbuing the AI with an unsettling calmness.

Technical Aspects

Cinematography: The film uses stark lighting and shadows to enhance the eerie atmosphere.

Sound Design: The sound design is crucial in building suspense, with subtle audio cues that hint at AIA’s omnipresence.

Special Effects: The visual effects are understated but effective, particularly in scenes involving AIA’s interventions.

Strengths

Strong Performances: The cast delivers solid performances, particularly John Cho and Katherine Waterston.

Thought-Provoking Themes: The film raises important questions about AI and its impact on human lives.

Atmospheric Tension: The director successfully creates a tense, unsettling atmosphere.

Weaknesses

Predictable Plot: Some plot twists are foreseeable, which may reduce the overall impact.

Pacing Issues: The deliberate pacing might feel slow to some viewers, especially in the middle act.

Underdeveloped Characters: Certain secondary characters could have been fleshed out more.

Overall Impact

Afraid is a thought-provoking techno-thriller that effectively explores the darker side of AI. While it has its flaws, the film’s strong performances and atmospheric tension make it worth watching for fans of the genre.

Recommendation

If you enjoy films that delve into the ethical dilemmas of technology and appreciate a slow-burn thriller, “Afraid” is worth a watch. However, if you prefer fast-paced action or more original storytelling, you might find it lacking.