In our modern age, AI is everywhere. It’s a feature that’s being pushed at us with such intensity that we see it wherever we go, from our phones to our computer browsers, and even in our appliances and cars. It’s because of its overnight rise into the limelight that it was only a matter of time before a horror film would be made about it.
Killer robots piloted by rogue AI are nothing new; just ask the “Terminator” franchise. However, a film about a murderous washing machine isn’t all that scary, right? Well, the upcoming film “Afraid” begs to differ.
This science fiction horror film from Sony and Blumhouse talks about a sentient AI that is doting on its host family a tad too much. Directed by Chris Weitz (known for his work in “The Golden Compass,” “Down to Earth,” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”), and starring John Cho, the film takes a different approach when it comes to illustrating the horrors of sentient man-made beings.
As opposed to the previously-discussed “Terminator” scenario that has dominated most works of fiction and literature, “Afraid” specifically features an AI that, at least based on what we can see in the trailer, genuinely aims to remove its host’s family’s concerns, but does so in the most extreme way possible by swiftly taking the most violent course of action.
What creates the sense of dread in the film is the fact that, in order to function like a normal home assistant, the family must first install the AI’s sensors, which act as its eyes, all over the house. This allows the AI to see and know what everyone is doing — no one is safe — as it constantly ingests information about the family.
Though it doesn’t outright go about killing people and leaking their personal information, the AI first lulls the family into a low sense of security by earning their trust through performing mundane tasks such as paying the bills and making sure the kids do their chores. Even though the AI does not intend to harm its adoptive family, it seems like the machine has ambitions beyond simply being a voice that exists in everyone’s devices.
Take a gander at the trailer:
Keep your eyes peeled, as “Afraid” is expected to be released later this year.
