Companion – Film Review

Some films in the science fiction horror genre lean heavily on their high-concept premise, while others focus on humor or character-driven thrills. Companion, the latest genre-bending offering from writer-director Drew Hancock, masterfully blends all these elements, delivering a film that is equal parts darkly comedic, terrifying, and emotionally engaging. With a stellar cast led by Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, and produced by Zach Cregger (Barbarian), Companion is an electrifying ride that subverts expectations at every turn.

From the outset, Companion presents itself as a familiar horror setup: a group of friends heads to an isolated cabin for a weekend getaway, and things inevitably take a turn for the worse. However, Hancock quickly reveals that this is far from a conventional slasher or home invasion thriller. Instead, Companion unfolds like a twisted psychological game, where loyalty and trust are manipulated by hidden agendas—and advanced technology.

The film’s protagonist, Iris (Sophie Thatcher), is introduced as an intelligent but seemingly ordinary young woman, excited to reunite with her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid) and their friends Kat (Megan Suri), Eli (Harvey Guillén), and Patrick (Lukas Gage). Their host, Sergey, played by Rupert Friend, is an enigmatic figure with wealth and influence, adding an underlying tension to the group’s dynamic. But when an act of violence sets off a chain reaction of deception and paranoia, the film takes an exhilarating left turn, throwing the audience into a gripping narrative about control, free will, and the nature of identity itself.

The genius of Companion lies in its seamless integration of horror, science fiction, and biting social commentary. The revelation that Iris is actually a highly advanced companion robot is a gut-punch moment that redefines the film’s entire trajectory. Hancock takes this premise and runs with it, exploring the ethical dilemmas of AI autonomy and the dark impulses of those who seek to exploit it.

Much of the film’s suspense comes from the cat-and-mouse game between Iris and her so-called friends. Once she realizes her true nature, the stakes skyrocket. The film crafts a fascinating exploration of self-awareness as Iris evolves beyond her initial programming. Watching her struggle to take control of her own fate—while navigating the treacherous terrain of human deception—is equal parts thrilling and emotionally resonant.

Meanwhile, the supporting characters each serve a vital role in the unfolding chaos. Patrick’s unexpected depth as another companion bot introduces a tragic love story amidst the carnage, while Kat and Eli’s shifting allegiances inject unpredictability into the narrative. Josh, in particular, emerges as a disturbingly relatable antagonist—his entitled, desperate nature making him all the more terrifying as he manipulates those around him.

Sophie Thatcher, fresh off her success in Yellowjackets and Heretic, delivers a career-defining performance as Iris. She masterfully conveys the nuances of a character grappling with artificial limitations while striving for genuine agency. Her transformation from an unassuming companion into a force of nature is both compelling and deeply satisfying. Thatcher’s performance ensures that Iris never feels like a mere machine; instead, she is a character brimming with emotional complexity, intelligence, and even humor.

Jack Quaid, best known for The Boys, is perfectly cast as the seemingly charming but deeply insecure Josh. His performance strikes a delicate balance between comedic awkwardness and unnerving cruelty, making him a villain you both detest and can’t look away from. Lukas Gage’s portrayal of Patrick adds unexpected layers to the film, delivering some of its most poignant moments.

One of Companion’s greatest strengths is its tonal balance. Hancock crafts a film that is genuinely terrifying in moments of intense suspense, yet effortlessly funny when it wants to be. The humor never undercuts the horror; instead, it enhances the experience, making the film feel refreshingly original in a genre that often leans too heavily in one direction. The dark comedic elements, particularly in Josh’s delusions of grandeur and the film’s commentary on human arrogance, provide a satirical edge reminiscent of The Cabin in the Woods or Barbarian.

Yet, when the film leans into horror, it does so with full force. The tension is relentless, whether it’s Iris being hunted through the forest, Patrick’s unsettling transformation into an obedient but deadly weapon, or the brutal final confrontation. Hancock’s direction ensures that the horror never feels predictable, utilizing unexpected twists and sharp cinematography to heighten the sense of dread.

Companion is sleek and striking. The cinematography captures the eerie isolation of the lake house, with the natural beauty of the setting contrasting against the dark, high-tech underpinnings of the story. The film’s use of lighting—particularly in moments where Iris experiments with her settings—adds to its immersive sci-fi feel. The practical effects and CGI work seamlessly together, making the companion robots both eerily lifelike and disturbingly artificial when necessary.

The sound design is equally impressive, with the subtle hum of technology woven throughout the film’s tension-filled score. Every mechanical movement, system reboot, and glitch is meticulously crafted to keep the audience on edge.

If the first two acts of Companion build tension masterfully, the third act is a full-throttle, satisfying payoff. The film refuses to take the expected route, continuously subverting audience expectations. Just when it seems as though Iris is doomed, the narrative takes one final, exhilarating turn, leading to a conclusion that is both cathartic and thought-provoking.

Without revealing spoilers, the film’s resolution is a perfect culmination of its themes. Rather than simply focusing on a battle of survival, Companion raises larger questions about the nature of self-determination. The final moments leave the audience pondering not just Iris’s fate, but the implications of a world where companion robots might exist among us, hidden in plain sight.

Drew Hancock’s Companion is a triumphant blend of horror, science fiction, and dark comedy, delivering a film that is as intellectually engaging as it is wildly entertaining. With a razor-sharp script, stellar performances—especially from Sophie Thatcher—and a deeply original take on AI horror, Companion stands as one of the most exciting and thought-provoking genre films in recent memory.

Balancing genuine terror with moments of laugh-out-loud humor, the film never loses sight of its emotional core, making it a rare example of sci-fi horror that truly has it all. Hancock cements himself as a filmmaker to watch, crafting a film that is as thrilling as it is thematically rich.

With its tight pacing, unpredictable twists, and a powerhouse lead performance, Companion is one of the best horror films in recent memory.