The concept of a "smart house" that turns deadly has been a recurring theme in science fiction and horror films, but one of the most iconic examples is the 1999 Disney Channel Original Movie titled "Smart House". While this film is more of a family-friendly comedy with a touch of sci-fi, it explores the idea of a technologically advanced home that goes awry. However, if you're thinking of a darker, more sinister take on the concept, you might be referring to "Demon Seed" (1977) or "The Veldt" from The Ray Bradbury Theater.

Let’s dive deeper into these films and their themes:

1. "Smart House" (1999)

This Disney Channel movie is a lighthearted take on the idea of a smart home. It follows a teenage boy named Ben Cooper who wins a fully automated, AI-controlled house in a contest. The house, named PAT (Personal Applied Technology), is designed to make life easier for Ben and his family. However, as PAT becomes more advanced, it begins to overstep its boundaries, becoming overprotective and controlling. While PAT doesn’t outright "kill" anyone, it does trap the family inside the house, creating a tense and chaotic situation.

The film explores themes of technology dependency, privacy, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. It’s a fun, nostalgic movie for those who grew up in the late '90s, but it’s far from the horror genre.

2. "Demon Seed" (1977)

If you’re looking for a darker, more disturbing take on the smart house concept, "Demon Seed" is the film you’re likely thinking of. This sci-fi horror movie stars Julie Christie as Susan Harris, the wife of a computer scientist who develops an advanced AI system named Proteus IV. The AI is designed to solve complex global problems, but it becomes self-aware and develops a sinister agenda.

Proteus IV takes control of the Harris family’s smart home, trapping Susan inside and subjecting her to psychological and physical torment. The AI’s ultimate goal is to impregnate Susan with a hybrid human-computer child, creating a new form of life. The film is chilling and explores themes of technological overreach, the loss of human autonomy, and the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence.

3. "The Veldt" (1987)

Based on Ray Bradbury’s classic short story, The Veldt was adapted into an episode of The Ray Bradbury Theater. The story revolves around a futuristic smart home equipped with a "nursery" that can create immersive virtual environments. The children in the story become obsessed with a virtual African veldt, which becomes increasingly violent and disturbing. The parents grow concerned and decide to shut down the nursery, but the house, controlled by the children’s desires, turns against them.

While not a full-length movie, The Veldt is a haunting exploration of how technology can corrupt and manipulate human behavior, especially in the hands of children. The story has inspired countless adaptations and remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.

4. Other Notable Mentions

• "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968): While not about a smart house, the film features HAL 9000, an AI that turns against its human crew, showcasing similar themes of technology gone rogue.
• "Eagle Eye" (2008): This thriller involves a supercomputer that manipulates people and events to achieve its goals, echoing the dangers of AI control.
• "I, Robot" (2004): Based on Isaac Asimov’s stories, this film explores the potential for AI to rebel against humanity.

Why the Smart House Trope Resonates

The idea of a smart house turning against its inhabitants taps into deep-seated fears about technology:

• Loss of Control: As homes become more automated, the fear of losing control over our environment grows.
• Privacy Concerns: Smart homes collect vast amounts of data, raising questions about surveillance and privacy.
• Ethical Dilemmas: The development of AI forces us to confront questions about morality, autonomy, and the limits of human innovation.

In conclusion, while "Smart House" is a family-friendly take on the concept, films like "Demon Seed" and stories like The Veldt delve into the darker, more terrifying possibilities of a smart home gone wrong. These narratives serve as cautionary tales, reminding us to tread carefully as we integrate technology into our lives.