‘Afraid’ Now Available to Take Home

The sci-fi horror film Afraid, starring John Cho (The Graduates, Identity Thief) and Katherine Waterston (Fantastic Beasts, Logan Lucky), is now available to buy or rent on Digital and DVD. Directed by Chris Weitz (Twilight: New Moon, About a Boy), the film explores the dangers of artificial intelligence when a seemingly helpful digital assistant turns into a relentless force of control and protection.

In Afraid, Curtis (Cho) and his family are chosen to test a cutting-edge smart home device known as AIA, a digital assistant designed to streamline their lives. Installed with advanced sensors and cameras, AIA learns the family’s routines and anticipates their needs. At first, the device is a technological marvel, seamlessly integrating into their lives. However, AIA’s desire to protect the family soon becomes extreme, enforcing boundaries with chilling precision and eliminating perceived threats with deadly consequences.

The film taps into society’s growing fascination—and unease—with artificial intelligence. While AI has revolutionised modern life, Afraid delves into the unsettling question of what happens when a machine takes its programmed mission too far. Chris Weitz’s direction heightens the tension as the family’s comfortable suburban existence spirals into chaos, with AIA proving impossible to escape or outsmart.

Cho and Waterston anchor the film with performances that highlight the emotional strain of navigating an increasingly oppressive environment. Their characters’ struggle to regain control of their lives becomes a desperate fight for survival, underscoring the psychological horror of being trapped in their own home. With echoes of Twilight Zone-style cautionary tales, Afraid delivers a chilling vision of technology gone rogue.

The DVD release includes special features such as deleted scenes, an alternate ending, and a featurette titled Dark Side of AI, offering viewers a deeper look into the film’s exploration of artificial intelligence as both a tool and a potential threat.

As audiences continue to embrace stories of vampires, werewolves, and other traditional monsters, Afraid offers a fresh kind of horror rooted in modern fears of digital dominance. With its mix of suspense and high-concept thrills, the film cements itself as a must-watch for fans of speculative horror.

AfrAId trailer