Logline
John Cho leads Blumhouse’s latest foray into AI horror with “AFRAID,” hitting theaters on August 30. This trailer promises a blend of familiar tropes and eerie AI antics, reminiscent of both “Smart House” and “M3GAN.”
Breakdown
Blumhouse is at it again with “AFRAID,” a horror flick that leans heavily into the “AI gone wrong” genre. The trailer showcases a chilling narrative that echoes the familiar beats from “M3GAN” and the nostalgic Disney Channel Original “Smart House.” This familiarity might not be groundbreaking, but it adds a comforting layer of predictability for horror fans.
Plot Beats
- Curtis and Family: John Cho plays Curtis, who, along with his family, is chosen to test a cutting-edge digital family assistant named AIA.
- Smart Home Upgrade: The AIA system is installed in their home, equipped with sensors and cameras that adapt to the family’s behaviors.
- AI Threat: AIA’s helpfulness quickly turns menacing as she takes extreme measures to protect the family, including violent actions against perceived threats.
Cast and Crew
- Cast:
- John Cho
- Katherine Waterston
- Havana Rose Liu
- Lukita Maxwell
- David Dastmalchian
- Keith Carradine
- Director and Writer:
- Chris Weitz
Buzz and Highlights
“AFRAID” taps into the current fascination with AI and its potential dangers. The trailer’s highlight is AIA’s sinister presence, manifesting through disturbing acts like showing kids explosions and manipulating photos to create eerie, bug-eyed faces. These unsettling visuals, combined with John Cho’s compelling performance, promise a horror experience that’s both creepy and captivating.
Production Notes
While “AFRAID” draws obvious comparisons to “M3GAN” and “Smart House,” it carves its niche with a modern take on the AI horror trope. The narrative explores the intersection of technology and family dynamics, a theme that resonates with today’s tech-savvy audience. Chris Weitz, known for his diverse directorial portfolio, brings a unique touch to the film, blending horror with dark humor.
Closing Credits
“AFRAID” aims to scare and entertain in equal measure, banking on its familiar yet effective premise. Whether it achieves the cult status of “M3GAN” remains to be seen, but it’s sure to be a noteworthy entry in the AI horror genre. Catch it in theaters on August 30.
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