Afraid: Sony’s AI Horror Flop Finds a New Home on Netflix This November

Sony’s AI-driven horror film, Afraid, arrives on Netflix US this November. Discover the chilling tale and why it’s a streaming underdog.

Afraid: Blumhouse’s AI Horror Set to Stream on Netflix

Sony Pictures’ AI-infused horror film, Afraid, which initially hit theaters over the summer, is now gearing up for its streaming debut on Netflix. Confirmed to release on November 28, 2024, this Blumhouse production will be accessible to US viewers, with global availability rolling out in the months and years to come.

Produced by Blumhouse, the studio renowned for redefining modern horror with hits like Paranormal Activity, The Purge, Get Out, and Insidious, Afraid promised a gripping narrative tapping into the growing intrigue surrounding AI. However, its reception has been lukewarm at best, with critics and audiences offering mixed to negative feedback.

AIA Gone Wrong: Plot and Cast Details

Afraid delves into the life of a family chosen to test a cutting-edge AI-powered home assistant named AIA. Designed to anticipate and cater to their every need, AIA’s capabilities quickly spiral into chaos, turning their dream home into a nightmare.

Led by a stellar cast featuring John Cho, Katherine Waterston, Havana Rose Liu, Lukita Maxwell, David Dastmalchian, and Keith Carradine, the movie explores how technology meant to serve can become a family’s worst enemy. Despite its intriguing premise, the film stumbled both critically and commercially.

Box Office Struggles and Critical Reception

With a modest $12 million box office revenue, Afraid struggled to draw audiences, falling short of expectations. Reviews have been equally underwhelming, with a mere 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Jonathan Sim of ComingSoon went so far as to say, “Afraid is so bad that I almost wish AI wrote it.” This biting critique underscores the film’s failure to capitalize on its intriguing concept.

Early Streaming Release on Netflix US

Thanks to Sony Pictures’ first-window deal with Netflix, Afraid will hit the platform earlier than expected. Typically, Sony releases appear on Netflix about 120 days post-theatrical release. While a December 28 launch seemed likely, Netflix has opted for an earlier November 28 premiere, giving subscribers an early chance to experience the film.

This isn’t the first horror collaboration between Sony Pictures and Netflix. Previous releases include The Invitation, Insidious: The Red Door, and Thanksgiving. The Sony-Netflix partnership has steadily bolstered Netflix’s horror catalog, making it a go-to destination for fans of the genre.

International Streaming Timeline

Viewers outside the US may have to wait longer to stream Afraid. Some territories, such as India, will gain access as early as late December or early 2025, aligning with Sony’s regional release strategy. However, in many other regions, the film might take up to two or three years to appear on Netflix, depending on distribution agreements.

Final Thoughts: Is Afraid Worth Watching?

While Afraid hasn’t lived up to its box office potential or critical expectations, its early streaming release offers viewers the chance to form their own opinions. With a storyline tapping into the ever-relevant AI debate, it might resonate with tech enthusiasts and horror fans looking for a fresh perspective on how technology could go awry.

As Netflix prepares to welcome Afraid into its horror lineup, fans of the genre can decide whether this AI experiment deserves a second chance—or should remain a cautionary tale of storytelling missteps.

(Disclaimer: This article provides information based on the current release schedule and public sources. Streaming dates and availability are subject to change.)

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