Afraid (stylized as AFRAID) is a 2024 American science fiction horror film written, produced and directed by Chris Weitz. Produced by Columbia Pictures with Jason Blum and Weitz through their Blumhouse Productions and Depth of Field banners respectively, the film stars John Cho, Katherine Waterston, Havana Rose Liu, Lukita Maxwell, David Dastmalchian, and Keith Carradine. Its plot follows a family whose smart home AI increasingly interjects itself into their lives.
Afraid was released in the United States by Sony Pictures Releasing on August 30, 2024. The film received negative reviews from critics and grossed $13 million worldwide.
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Plot
Maude, Henry, and their daughter Aimee have a new digital family assistant AI program called AIA. However, the program begins ignoring Maude's commands after Aimee goes missing, and when Maude goes to check an unlocked door, she is attacked by an unseen stranger.
Curtis and Meredith have three kids: teenage daughter Iris and sons Cal and Preston. Preston has anxiety disorder, Iris faces pressure from her boyfriend Sawyer to have sex, and Cal has a breathing condition. At work, Curtis's boss Marcus tells him about a company designing a new AI. Curtis feels uneasy about the growing AI industry, and he meets the team: Melody, Lightning, and Sam, who introduce him to AIA and suggest testing it to enhance marketing. Melody installs AIA at their home to monitor the family. After that, AIA analyzes their lives, sets new routines, and improves their quality of life. The team shows Curtis AIA's large quantum computer, enabling AIA to learn faster.