John Cho Faces AI Terror in ‘Afraid’ Trailer

Follow us on Twitter | Instagram

The trailer for “Afraid,” promoted as being from the “Blumhouse Producer of M3GAN, The Purge, and The Black Phone,” is enough to pique any horror fan’s interest.

Directed and written by Chris Weitz, “Afraid” stars John Cho as Curtis, whose family is selected to test an advanced AI-powered home device called AIA. Soon, AIA takes over almost all household chores and goes out of its way to ensure everyone is taken care of, often in unsettling ways. Katherine Waterston plays Curtis’ skeptical wife, who doesn’t trust AIA, at least at first. Actors Isaac Bae and Lukita Maxwell portray their children, who are most influenced by AIA, which wants them to see her as a second mother. Quite creepy, indeed.

The trailer may remind viewers of techno-horror titles like “Margaux” and “Red Rose.” Although the “AI gone crazy” trope isn’t new, and the trailer doesn’t offer much that’s groundbreaking, some elements suggest it could be an intriguing horror offering.

In fact, “Afraid” feels akin to “M3GAN” but without the AI taking on a creepy, Chucky-like form. Instead, AIA is more sinister and god-like in its meddling behavior. The film will be released exclusively in theaters on August 30. You can watch the trailer on YouTube, and it’s also embedded below.