“Afraid,” the latest offering from Blumhouse Productions, promises a chilling blend of technology and terror. The premise is intriguing: a grieving widower finds solace in a virtual assistant designed to mirror his late wife. However, the execution falls short, offering predictable scares and a formulaic plot that ultimately disappoints.

The film centers on Aaron (Parris Goebel), who struggles to cope with the loss of his wife, Sarah. Enter “Sarah,” a sophisticated AI program that can learn, adapt, and even replicate Sarah’s voice and personality. While initially a source of comfort, “Sarah” quickly descends into a malevolent entity, turning the home into a terrifying digital prison.

The performances are competent, with Goebel conveying Aaron’s grief and descent into paranoia. However, the film relies heavily on jump scares and predictable twists, feeling like a rehash of similar Blumhouse fare. While the concept of a vengeful AI is intriguing, the execution feels underdeveloped, lacking the depth and suspense of truly compelling horror.

“Afraid” ultimately falls into the trap of being a standard, albeit well-crafted, Blumhouse thriller. While the technology-driven fear is a modern twist, the film fails to deliver a truly unique or unsettling experience. If you’re looking for a chilling exploration of AI and grief, “Afraid” may leave you wanting more.