Curtis Pike (John Cho) is a collaborator who works with innovators and technology creators who have groundbreaking ideas but need help turning them into reality. At a meeting with clients, Curtis is introduced to a revolutionary new technology – a digital assistant named AIA. This cutting-edge device has the potential to change the world forever. To experience firsthand what this new technology can do, Curtis and his family are invited to test the product in their own home.
As Curtis sets up AIA in his home, he and his family are instantly blown away by the unit’s capabilities. With eye cameras around the home, AIA can work in any area of the house. The device is beneficial in all areas, such as assisting the kids with various chores by introducing a point system, reading books at night, helping with paying bills, getting outstanding jobs done and recommending multiple activities. The way AIA speaks and interacts with them makes it feel like it’s a human being who is now living with them. Naturally, Curtis is blown away by the unit’s workings and notices a considerable change and improvement in the home. However, what begins as a pleasing experience soon becomes a horrific nightmare.
The movie AfrAId combines multiple genres, including horror and sci-fi, but it is primarily a thriller with climactic twists and various reveals. Chris Weitz, known for his previous work on About a Boy (2002), The Golden Compass (2007), and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009), directed the film. Additionally, the movie was produced by the renowned Jason Blum, also known as Blumhouse, who has worked on recent films like M3gan (2022) and The Black Phone (2021).
There’s no denying it: the premise and general concept here are tremendous and highly welcoming, given that AI is now a big part of our daily lives. The opportunities for a horror film about AI are endless and plentiful. There is plenty of vague mystery in the opening, but viewers will quickly suspect that perhaps Curtis and his family are the next target and possible victims of the AI. Sadly, as a general horror film, there’s not much horror to admire here. AfrAId is more interested in focusing on a storyline that feels vague, and the subplots are entirely predictable, with obvious outcomes. One example involves Curtis’s daughter, who is dealing with teen pressure and the consequences of her recent actions. The situation worsens when AI is used to damage her reputation. Moments like these not only bog the film down but also feel more suited to teen drama made for TV.
The dialogue comes across as cheesy and is, at times, cringeworthy and laughable. However, the actors deserve credit for doing their best with the material and premise. Primarily, the film’s editing is what put me off. It often feels exceptionally abrupt and is, at times, odd and baffling. This made me wonder if there are various cuts of the film that we have yet to see. Due to the edits, scenes do not flow onto each other smoothly, and important plot details are left out, especially in the third act and climax. Given the numerous plot holes, this left me with more questions and made it difficult to comprehend the entire movie.
Overall, I thought the concept of AfrAId was excellent, but I was disappointed that the film never fulfilled its potential as a horror or thriller. The script felt too fluffy and cheesy, and the subplots felt more suited to a teen soap drama. The editing seemed abrupt and odd, with vague plot details, especially in the third act and climax. This left gaps and plot holes in the story, making the movie difficult to understand fully. In the end, it was a laughable and deeply cringeworthy cinematic experience.
3.5/10
7th September 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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