Today, there is a reality where AI is convenient. AI helps people stay organized with navigating tasks. Can AI be advanced on a personal level? Afraid loops in the context of questioning an AI innovation. Written and directed by Chris Weitz, his approach is on family dynamics (with AI). Screen time, technological addiction, and behavioral patterns are the discerning factors in Afraid. The approach is up-and-coming in the film. Its AI moving parts are resourceful. How real does AI grow to be in Afraid?

The film follows Curtis (played by John Chou). Curtis is a father working for a company that aims on AI technologies. At his home, his children rely on staring at their screens consistently. His oldest daughter, Iris (played by Lukita Maxwell), is obsessed with social media. His two sons, Preston (played by Wyatt Lindner) and Cal (played by Isaac Bae), play games on their tablets too much. Curtis and his wife Meredith (played by Katherine Waterston) feel changes need prioritization in their home. They got this new device called AIA. AIA is like Alexa. AIA is double the amount of intelligence over an Alexa. She thinks in advance. She makes sure there are no conflicts between Curtis and his family.

It begins to shift in the eerie path. Iris finds herself in a social media conflict. This situation links back to AIA. Preston makes wrong choices with friends. Finally, Cal listens to what AIA says more than his parents. It is only a matter of time before AIA’s words and mind games rain down with a terror of turmoil.

Where the film finds its haunting factor is its presence in its characterization. The personalities and facial expressions look blurred (because they look at screens so frequently). For improvements, Curtis is looking at new technology for his family. Is this a great idea? The personality of drained minds (due to overuse of devices) feeds the technology addiction in Afraid. It does before it gets more unpleasant.

When Afraid begins to see the red flags of AIA, the suspense is vast on a level of anxiety. That is because the advanced side of AIA is programmed to get ahead of moving parts more than its audiences anticipate. Some may think AIA is evil. Some may think AIA is convenient. Regardless, the influence of AIA is highly concerning. Weitz uses a direction that loops in mental stressors of the dangers of reliance. “Dangers of reliance” is among Curtis and Meredith for putting forth trust in AIA for their children. The high levels of stressors dig deep in Afraid. What will AIA do? What will Curtis do to protect his family? How enabled will his children be with their fascination with AIA?

Once the questioning factors of detrimental suspense come around, Afraid begins to feel the predictable vibes. It does well with keeping AIA as the focus of the potential threat. With the continued concern about how AI is bound to have red flags, Afraid is an average example of those “red flags.” The screen time takes a (minor and inviting) turn for the worst in Afraid. Two out of four stars for Afraid.