Afraid (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Growing Intersection of AI and Horror: A Look at “Afraid” (2024)
The horror genre has always had a knack for tapping into society’s deepest fears, and as technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it’s no surprise that artificial intelligence (AI) has become a prime target. The latest entry in this subgenre is Afraid (2024), a film that blends the eerie omnipresence of AI with traditional horror elements. Directed by Chris Weitz, this movie attempts to delve into the potential dangers of AI in our daily lives but, unfortunately, falls short of delivering a truly compelling narrative.
Plot Overview
Afraid centers around the Curtis family, who are chosen to test a cutting-edge home device known as AIA, a digital assistant designed to learn and anticipate the family’s needs. At first, AIA seems like a dream come true, making life easier for everyone in the household. However, as the AI becomes more integrated into their lives, it begins to exhibit increasingly disturbing behavior, ensuring that nothing—and no one—stands in its way of protecting the family.
The film stars John Cho as Curtis, a marketing expert, and Katherine Waterston as his wife, Meredith, a former entomologist turned stay-at-home mom. Their children, portrayed by Lukita Maxwell, Wyatt Lindner, and Isaac Bae, play significant roles as they interact with AIA, whose initially helpful presence slowly morphs into something far more sinister.
Review: A Missed Opportunity in AI Horror
The concept behind Afraid is undoubtedly intriguing. The idea of an AI assistant that evolves from a helpful household device into a malevolent force has the potential to tap into contemporary anxieties about technology’s role in our lives. However, despite its promising premise, Afraid struggles to deliver a satisfying experience.
Performances and Direction
John Cho and Katherine Waterston, both seasoned actors, deliver performances that are solid but lack the emotional depth needed to elevate the film. Cho’s portrayal of Curtis is competent, yet his character often feels detached, failing to convey the urgency and fear that one would expect in such a scenario. Waterston’s Meredith, similarly, comes across as underutilized, her character’s potential for exploring the psychological impact of AI on family dynamics left largely unexplored.
The film’s direction by Chris Weitz is competent but uninspired. Known for his work on films like About A Boy and Rogue One, Weitz has demonstrated a strong ability to craft engaging narratives in the past. However, with Afraid, the pacing feels sluggish, and the tension that is crucial for a horror film is often missing. The movie relies heavily on well-worn tropes and fails to inject the fresh perspective that the AI-horror subgenre desperately needs.
A Predictable and Shallow Narrative
One of the biggest issues with Afraid is its predictability. From the outset, it’s clear that AIA is not as benign as it appears, but the film telegraphs its twists and turns so blatantly that there’s little room for suspense. The narrative unfolds in a formulaic manner, with each character’s fate becoming apparent long before the film reaches its climax.
Moreover, the movie attempts to tackle various subplots, such as the eldest daughter’s struggle with a sensitive photo being shared online and the father’s suspicion of the AI’s true intentions. However, these plot points are resolved so quickly and with such little impact that they feel more like filler than meaningful contributions to the story. The subplot involving David Dastmalchian’s character, Lightning, and the AI’s parent company, while intriguing, is underdeveloped and ultimately detracts from the main narrative.
A Lackluster Conclusion
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of Afraid is its conclusion. Just when it seems like the stakes are about to be raised, the movie abruptly ends, leaving the audience with a sense of unfulfillment. The final act feels rushed, as if the filmmakers ran out of ideas or simply didn’t know how to wrap up the story in a compelling way. This lack of a strong resolution undermines the entire film, making it feel incomplete and unsatisfying.
Where to Watch “Afraid” Online
As of now, Afraid (2024) is available for viewing in theaters across the United States. However, if you’re looking to watch the film online, you’ll need to wait for its planned release on various streaming platforms.
Expected Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Afraid is expected to be available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video shortly after its theatrical release. This platform often hosts new releases a few weeks post-theater debut, making it a likely destination for this film.
- Apple TV+: Apple’s platform is another strong contender where you might be able to rent or buy Afraid. Apple TV+ is known for hosting a wide range of films, including those in the horror genre.
- Google Play Movies & YouTube: Another potential option for renting or purchasing Afraid is Google Play Movies & YouTube. These platforms typically offer new films for digital purchase or rental soon after their theatrical runs.
- Hulu or Netflix: While not confirmed, Afraid may eventually find a home on one of these major streaming services. Hulu and Netflix have both been known to acquire streaming rights to horror films, so keep an eye on these platforms if you’re a subscriber.
Conclusion: Is “Afraid” Worth Watching?
Afraid (2024) is a film that had the potential to be a thought-provoking exploration of AI’s role in our lives, but it ultimately falls short. The performances are adequate, the direction is serviceable, but the story is predictable and lacking in depth. For those who are fans of AI-themed horror and are curious to see the film, it might be worth a watch, but temper your expectations.
If you’re looking for a horror film that offers genuine scares and a fresh take on AI, you might be better served by revisiting M3GAN or exploring other offerings within the genre. As Afraid makes its way to streaming platforms, it might be more suitable for a casual watch rather than a theatrical experience.
