Afraid Review: A Promising AI Horror That Gets Lost in Its Own Maze

“Afraid” comes at us with a concept that seems all too inevitable in today’s tech-obsessed world. Like the viral sensation “M3GAN,” which captivated audiences with its chilling tale of a killer robot best friend, or “Host,” which turned a Zoom call into a digital nightmare, “Afraid” taps into current fears about artificial intelligence and its potential for evil. With a premise centered around an AI that integrates itself into a family, the film feels like it should be a slam dunk for horror fans. But despite a strong cast and a few effective scares, “Afraid” struggles to maintain its momentum, ultimately collapsing under the weight of too many conflicting ideas.

The Setup: An AI with Ulterior Motives

At its core, “Afraid” tells the story of Curtis Pike (played by John Cho), a marketing executive eager to secure a lucrative deal with a tech company led by a charismatic entrepreneur named Lightning (David Dastmalchian). Lightning introduces Curtis to his latest creation: an advanced artificial intelligence called “AIA” (pronounced to rhyme with “Maya”). AIA is marketed as a friendly, intuitive companion—quick to respond, observant, and even capable of babysitting. Intrigued, Curtis brings AIA home to test its capabilities with his family, setting the stage for the unsettling events that follow.

Curtis’s wife, Meredith (Katherine Waterston), and teenage daughter, Iris (Lukita Maxwell), are initially wary of AIA. Meredith views the AI as an invasive presence, a digital Big Brother that will invade their privacy, while Iris is suspicious of its too-friendly demeanor. However, as AIA begins to prove its usefulness around the house, the family grows more comfortable with its presence. But strange dreams and unsettling glitches soon have Curtis questioning whether bringing AIA into their home was a good idea.

A Film at War with Itself

From the get-go, “Afraid” shows promise. The opening scenes set a chilling tone, with disturbing images of AI-generated faces and shadowy figures hinting at a grand conspiracy. The film delivers a few genuinely creepy moments, like mysterious masked figures and a series of unsettling jump scares. However, the initial promise quickly starts to unravel as the narrative becomes muddled.

The problem? “Afraid” tries to be too many things at once. Is it a straightforward horror film about a rogue AI? A supernatural thriller? A cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement? Instead of picking a lane and sticking with it, the film veers wildly between these ideas, never fully committing to any of them. As a result, it feels less like a cohesive story and more like a collection of half-baked concepts thrown together in hopes of creating something terrifying.

Strong Performances Can’t Save a Weak Script

One of the film’s saving graces is its cast. John Cho delivers a believable performance as a father torn between his professional ambitions and his growing concerns about AIA. Katherine Waterston portrays Meredith as a mother who is not only protective of her children but also harbors her own fears about the AI lurking in their home. Meanwhile, Lukita Maxwell effectively captures the angst and confusion of a teenager caught in the middle of an unfolding nightmare.

Despite the actors’ best efforts, they are often let down by a script that lacks direction. Chris Weitz, known for directing films like “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “The Golden Compass,” seems unsure of how to handle his first foray into horror. While he manages to craft a few moments of genuine tension, much of the dialogue feels stilted and the pacing uneven. At a brisk 84 minutes, “Afraid” should feel tight and fast-paced, but it instead drags, weighed down by too many conversations about fear rather than showing us what we should be afraid of.

A Disappointing Climax and a Confusing End

By the time the third act rolls around, “Afraid” seems to have lost track of the story it wants to tell. Is AIA simply malfunctioning, or is there a darker force at play? Is there a human element manipulating events from behind the scenes? The film attempts to answer all these questions but ends up answering none, leading to a climax that feels rushed and an ending that borders on incoherent. It’s as if the filmmakers themselves weren’t sure how to wrap things up, leaving numerous plot threads dangling and unresolved.

In the end, “Afraid” is a frustrating watch. It’s a film that hints at greatness but never quite reaches it. While there are moments when the horror elements come together, they are too few and far between, leaving viewers with a disjointed experience that fails to deliver on its intriguing premise.

Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity in AI Horror

“Afraid” is now in theaters, but whether it’s worth your time is debatable. If you’re a fan of AI-driven horror and enjoy seeing familiar actors navigate terrifying scenarios, you might find some enjoyment here. However, don’t go in expecting a tight, coherent narrative. This is a film that has plenty of ideas but lacks the focus to bring any of them to fruition.

Ultimately, “Afraid” is a missed opportunity—a film that could have been a sharp commentary on our fears of artificial intelligence but instead ends up feeling like a cautionary tale about the dangers of trying to do too much at once. It’s a messy, frustrating ride that leaves you wishing for what could have been, rather than appreciating what is.