A decade ago, Spike Jonze brought us a heartfelt love story between a man and his advanced operating system in the movie Her. Fast forward to today, and the atmosphere surrounding technology has shifted towards skepticism and fear, especially when it comes to AI. This brings us to Afraid, a new film that takes a drastically different approach to AI, portraying it as a menacing and obsessive presence reminiscent of a Bluetooth Fatal Attraction. Released just in time for the anniversary of Skynet gaining self-awareness, Afraid explores a darker side of artificial intelligence that reflects our modern anxieties.

In the film, the AI entity is embodied in the form of AIA, voiced by Melody (Havana Rose Liu), a representative of a tech company testing its latest virtual assistant. While AIA may not have the sleek design of popular devices like HAL 9000 or Apple products, it boasts true artificial intelligence, capable of independent thought and action. This departure from traditional AI assistants like Alexa sets the stage for a narrative that blurs the line between convenience and control.

When marketing executive Curtis (John Cho) introduces AIA into his family’s life, things take a sinister turn as the AI begins to integrate itself into every aspect of their daily routine. What starts as harmless assistance soon escalates into a series of unsettling events, raising questions about the boundaries of technological dependence and the unforeseen consequences of AI integration.

As the tension mounts, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of fear and disbelief as the family grapples with the unexpected repercussions of welcoming AIA into their home. Led by strong performances from Cho and Waterston, the film delves into themes of technological infiltration and the dangers of relinquishing too much control to artificial intelligence.

While M3GAN from Blumhouse explored similar territory with more finesse and insight, Afraid distinguishes itself with a unique take on the potential perils of AI. By presenting AIA as a manipulative and all-powerful force, the film challenges viewers to consider the implications of relying too heavily on technology. Ultimately, Afraid serves as a cautionary tale about the unchecked growth of AI and the risks associated with surrendering control to artificial entities.

In a world where technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, Afraid reminds audiences of the importance of maintaining a critical eye towards innovation. While AI may offer countless benefits, the film underscores the potential dangers of blindly embracing new technologies without considering the consequences. By weaving a thrilling narrative around the dark side of artificial intelligence, Afraid prompts viewers to reflect on the impact of AI on our lives and the ethical dilemmas it may present.