Love, control, and AI collide in 'Companion'—a bloody, thought-provoking horror ride.
Regardless of age, we all seek companionship—whether it’s in the form of friends, life partners, or people who truly understand us. But what if that companion is made of circuits, wires, and a hard drive? This is the situation that Josh (Jack Quaid) finds himself in Companion, the new horror film written and directed by Drew Hancock. It’s not just a bloody, gory ride; it’s an engaging and, at times, delightfully goofy take on AI and its implications. While the supporting cast is simply unmatched, Sophie Thatcher as Iris truly steals the show.
Companion Review
Companion begins like a lighthearted romantic comedy, introducing us to a charming meet-cute between Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh. However, beneath the surface of their seemingly blossoming relationship lies a startling truth: Iris is actually a companion android, and her memories of meeting Josh have been entirely programmed. Unaware of her true nature, Iris believes she’s human—a fact Josh carefully keeps from her.
Everything changes during a weekend getaway at a remote vacation home with their friends: Kat (Megan Suri), Eli (Harvey Guillén), Patrick (Lukas Gage), and Sergey (Rupert Friend). When Iris seemingly malfunctions, the trip takes a dark turn, eventually ending in tragedy. As the group scrambles to make sense of what’s happening—including the utterly clueless Iris—it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems in this twisted take on modern technology.
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When I first heard of Companion, I expected a run-of-the-mill sci-fi/dystopian horror, not anticipating much beyond the typical formula. But Hancock delivered far more than I could’ve hoped for. In just over 90 minutes, the director crafts a tight, cohesive narrative that explores the abuse of AI, human relationships, societal issues, and greed—all while offering some seriously satisfying gore and some of the best kill scenes I’ve seen in recent horror. Companion doesn’t waste time getting to the point, and that’s one of its strengths. While we’ve seen a surge of robot-themed films in recent years (M3GAN, hello?), Companion raises the bar with how it portrays Iris and her abilities. Every aspect of her programming is compelling, but to avoid spoilers, let’s just say it’s something you’ll want to see for yourself.
Beyond the gripping story and fast-paced action, the film boasts an incredible ensemble of actors, many of whom are no strangers to the horror genre. Jack Quaid is a solid choice, and so are Harvey Guillén, Megan Suri, and Lukas Gage who all deliver strong performances. But it’s Sophie Thatcher who truly stands out. Her portrayal of Iris, especially in banters with Quaid, elevates the film’s tense atmosphere. As the story unfolds, their tense dynamics only further add to the growing sense of unease, making the stakes feel all the more dire.
At times, Companion leans into over-the-top, “what if” sequences that border on goofy, yet it somehow completes the entire picture that the director is painting for us, making the film stand out as one of the most original horror films. It also offers a timely commentary on the role of technology, particularly AI, in our lives. Throughout the film, we see characters grappling with their connections to technology—sometimes as a tool for manipulation or greed, sometimes as a means of companionship. The film explores how power dynamics play out in the digital age, where AI can be both a source of assistance and a tool for manipulation. These differing perspectives are evident in Josh’s relationships with his friends and with Iris, whom he treats as more like an accessory than an actual life partner.
At its core, Companion continues to explore the theme of control—whether in relationships or at work—and how, in our desire to control others or situations, we often face disastrous consequences. This central theme ties seamlessly with the horror’s blood-soaked moments, transforming Companion from a typical horror film into a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary technology and its threats.
If you’re a fan of sci-fi, dystopian narratives, or horror films, Hancock’s Companion is definitely worth your time. With its fresh blend of the aforementioned elements, the film not only sparks important conversations about technology’s impact on our lives but also delivers a solid dose of horror, with standout kills and plenty of gore to satisfy any horror aficionado.
Grade: A
Companion will premiere in cinemas on January 31st.
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