APPOFENIACS serves as a chilling warning about the use of AI and the effects that it can have on the world and the people around us.
AI is a hot topic right now, so it makes perfect sense that there are a lot of movies and series that tackle the consequences that can come with it. That said, APPOFENIACS is like nothing I have ever seen before. It is terrifying on several different levels, as it showcases what can happen if you upset the wrong person, and they opt to use AI to make your life a living Hell.
Probably the scariest thing about this is that it can easily become a reality. All too often, people do not consider the full consequences their actions have, likely because they are selfish and truly just do not care about others.
APPOFENIACS showcases the horrific effects that deep fake videos can have, not just on the people they feature, but those surrounding them. When a young man becomes obsessed with using this technology to get back at those who have upset him, as well as just anyone he feels like targeting, the violence and trauma that follows is shocking.
This movie is absolutely bonkers, but also a lot of fun. There are many moments that will leave viewers with their jaws on the floor, especially as everything starts to connect. The only real issue with the film is that there are a lot of characters to follow; however, once things settle down and it homes in on a select few, APPOFENIACS really shines.
The shift from the first act to the second act is a bit jarring at first, but it doesn’t take long for things to clear up so that viewers can guess where things are going. APPOFENIACS features a lot of blood and gore, most (maybe even all) of which are practical effects. I always appreciate when things like this are done practically, even if it sometimes can turn out looking a little bit silly.
The cast does a wonderful job of displaying true urgency. Everyone has their moment and is a key part of the story. There is not one character, among the many, that could be removed and the film would still work the way it is supposed to.
Honestly, APPOFENIACS is going to have me being a bit nicer to strangers, even if they are absolutely in the wrong. Because this deep fake AI technology is something that actually exists in our world, it can be used against us, and no matter how much we assure others it is not us, there is a chance the consequences will be drastic.
APPOFENIACS is wild, crazy, bonkers fun. It is bloody and violent, but also serves as a warning about the effects of AI technology. As the dots all start to connect, it becomes clear exactly what set everything in motion, and to say it is terrifying is a bit of an understatement.
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About APPOFENIACS
A young man is obsessed with creating deepfake videos, eagerly finding new ways to exploit the technology. From pornography to manufacturing a racist rant, his videos are incredibly cruel and vile. As his creations are unleashed into the world, he sows havoc, with absolutely no regard for the consequences. Lives are ruined and lost, all due to fake videos created for seemingly no good reason at all, except that the technology exists, so why not use it?
The brilliant ensemble cast includes memorable performances from Sean Gunn, Jermaine Fowler, and Michael Abbott Jr. Equally timely and relevant as it is disturbing and provocative, if you weren’t already worried about the implications AI has on our future, you certainly will be after watching APPOFENIACS.
APPOFENIACS played at Fantastic Fest 2025.
